PO Box 2343
Annapolis, MD 21404-2343

1-800-MLP-1776

www.md.lp.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Beth Newman 301-588-3704

04 May 2001

LIBERTARIANS OPPOSE MARYLAND LAND GRABS

The Central Committee of the Libertarian Party of Maryland voted unanimously April 29 to endorse the petition drive sponsored by Citizens for Property Rights to repeal House Bill 790 and Senate Bill 486 enacted by the 2001 Maryland General Assembly.

These bills, rushed through as emergency legislation in an attempt to avoid public debate, are a frontal assault on individual property rights in Maryland. The legislation gives the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) unlimited condemnation and eminent domain power over any property, all over Maryland. Originally created to develop economically distressed areas of the state where commercial parties were not investing, MEDCO, under the new laws, becomes able to compete with almost any private business anywhere, at any time, for any reason, anywhere in the state. The law is written so that this quasi-public corporation can take away your land, your home or your business if its board of directors deems that it would promote 'happiness, employment, or the general welfare'. MEDCO becomes accountable to no one. Not the Governor, not the Legislature, not the citizens of Maryland.

"Property rights are an essential element of liberty," said Steve Boone, chair of the Libertarian Party of Maryland. "Marylanders have had their trust violated in the passing of this legislation and it's important for them to realize what is at stake."

The petition drive must collect 60,000 signatures for each bill by June 22. It's success will result in Marylanders being able to decide for themselves whether or not these bills should go into effect. The vote would occur November 22.

The Libertarian Party of Maryland is the third largest political party in Maryland. We are dedicated to the reduction of government interference in individual liberty. We hold that all individuals have the right to exercise sole dominion over their own lives, and have the right to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others to live in whatever manner they choose.

ADDITIONAL PRESS CONTACTS:

For more information about Citizens for Property Rights visit http://www.marylandcpr.org

For text of the bills visit:
http://mlis.state.md.us/2001rs/billfile/hb0790.htm
http://mlis.state.md.us/2001rs/billfile/sb0486.htm