HOME

May/June 2007
Volume I; Issue 2
Special Report:
Conservation Easements

Points of Strategy

The following is a checklist of key steps to take when you are fighting a local anti-private property rights issue. If you prepare well and understand the process by which the policy must be implemented, you will find key opportunities to educate, object, and defeat the policy.

1. Define the Problem – Identify the specific government agency planning the adverse action and determine how the action will harm you or your property. Find out what procedures the agency must follow to implement the action, i.e., public hearings, postings, etc. Different boards have different procedure requirements. Research the statutes and regulations under which the agency is operating.

2. Review the Agency File – Find out what is in the staff file. Remember, the staff of the Agency is probably not going to be on your side so don’t take their word for what the file contains. Look for yourself and make copies. Keep notes about what you found in the file with specific dates. Review this file weekly and copy anything new.

3. Research the Law – Review the statutes and regulations under which the agency is operating. Identify laws or rules they may be violating. Also review Federal and State Constitutions for areas of violation. Look for specific laws they may be breaking.

4. Identify Your Allies – Identify c0-victims. If you or your property is being threatened, realize there will be others who are affected as well. Start talking with them and rally their support.

5. Organize Your Community - Organize a meeting with your allies and neighbors to present the facts and discuss a plan of action. Identify and assign tasks to group members. Get as many people involved as you can, they will be more committed. Hold regular neighborhood meetings to keep everyone informed on changes and progress made.

6. Make Noise - Write a summary report about the impending action and distribute copies to all the neighbors. Organize a petition drive to gather signatures of those opposing the planned action; however be sure the opposition is specific

to the problem and not just general opposition or citations of constitutional law.

7. File Your Opposition - File a summary of your opposition with the staff of the agency. Be specific as to any laws or regulations they may be breaking, don’t just rely on constitutional principles.

8. Stand Together – Appear at hearings in mass, filling the seats with registered voters. Most hearings will open the floor to discussion and allow 2 - 5 minutes per speaker to state their position about a particular issue. Select who among you will speak at the hearing and assign topics to designated speakers, so regardless of time limits, your points and full testimony will be read into the written record. Arrive early so your designated speakers can sign up to be heard during open discussion. The more speakers, the louder your message will be heard.

Remember, a well-organized, unified group of people standing together to protect their property presents a powerful force against those who wish to take it away or control it.