Farmers Union warns of misuse of ’eminent domain’

Posted at 11:30 a.m. on March 26, 2019

The Brillion News

‘Little Pink House’ film screenings will shine a light on threat of eminent domain for private gain. This spring, Farmers Union chapters across Wisconsin will host film screenings of the “Little Pink House” to raise awareness about the threat of eminent domain for private gain.

The film is based on the true story of small-town paramedic Susette Kelo’s fight to save her blue-collar neighborhood from being bulldozed by the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. Kelo emerged as the reluctant leader of her neighbors in a battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court and inspired a nation.

“Government officials have long used eminent domain to build hospitals, schools, roads, and other facilities for public use, but what happened to Kelo and her neighborhood was different – and wrong,” said Wisconsin Farmers Union President Darin Von Ruden. “Many Americans remain vulnerable and unaware of the threat of eminent domain for private gain.”

In policy set by its grassroots membership, WFU opposes the implementation and use of eminent domain when unrelated private entities become the beneficiaries of farmers’ or private persons’ assets and no direct benefit to the local public occurs.

The family farm organization calls for fair and balanced eminent domain guidelines that protect the rights of individual property owners and promote the public good. WFU opposes allowing private businesses to condemn public land.

Viewing locations include in GREEN BAY: April 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. at NWTC Student Center Auditorium, 2740 W. Mason Street (State 54), Green Bay.