Deep Waters

Henry Waters, III, publisher of the Columbia Daily Trib, recently offered this commentary on efforts in Jefferson City seeking uniform, statewide restrictions on the use of redevelopment tools, like eminent domain, blighting, and tax increment financing:

“. . . a good argument exists for leaving cities and counties alone on this issue. Who says state lawmakers are better protectors of local property rights than local officials whose focus can be closer and perhaps more accurate? A better debate can be had locally on particular local cases than by detached state legislators trying to make pre-emptive law. Let our state saviors keep their hands in their pockets while we see how our own communities deal with it. We’ll always have opportunity for state intervention.”

I agree.