I want to express my appreciation for Rep. Dennis Keschl’s vote against the minority report to L.D. 1810, the regulatory “takings” bill.

Keschl, R-Belgrade, came under intense pressure from his party and an army of lobbyists in the State House to support the minority report. Instead, he listened to his constituents, who strongly urged him to oppose it. I’m grateful for his thoughtfulness and courage.

The “takings” bill has been a hot-button issue all legislative session. As originally written, it would have allowed Maine property owners to file a financial claim with the state if they thought that the value of their property had been reduced by 50 percent by a new state land use law.

I attended and testified at the public hearing in opposition to the bill, along with 55 other Maine residents, including the members of Maine Small Business Coalition, and a former attorney general.

The bill was amended several times until the Judiciary Committee voted 8-5 in support of the majority report to the bill, which represents a bipartisan and workable compromise. The minority report, on the other hand, would implement a costly and confusing regulatory takings scheme that would have serious fiscal and environmental impacts.

After the Senate votes on the takings bill on May 15, Keschl may have to vote on the bill again. I urge him to continue to support the majority report to L.D. 1810.

Sandy Wright

Mount Vernon

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