[quote="Brian Livingston":2r3kpxnr]Okee, my mouse is on the fritz, so my responses are going to be rather limited on this matter until I can manage to get a new one.
First off, I agree with Claude's interpertation of the power of the Chancellor, in that the clause in question does not grant the power of eminent domain to the Chancellor.
It is true that the needs of the community in Second Life are often different than the needs of communities in Real Life. As has been said several times now, we do not need power lines and water mains, railroad right-of-ways and interstates. However, there are likely going to be instances in the future where the best interests of the community may require the taking of private property. Of course, the first step in any project of such a nature should be to sit down with all the parties and try to iron out an agreement. This procedure was designed to be relatively clear-cut in terms of responsibilities and checks and balances, but still intensive enough to both protect the rights of the citizen while encouraging the parties to negotiate first.
A major part of the design of this act is the focus on the three branches of the CDS government. This is so that there is not one person who is making the ruling on whether a parcel should be taken by the government. Rather, the process is initiated by the Guilde, as they are the ones who would be developing a large-scale public works project, discussed and voted upon by the R.A., and appeals are heard by the S.C. As such, there are no fewer than 5 people (at least by my count) who review these proposals at some point, not including the appeals process.
Eminent domain, when used correctly, is a powerful tool to help facilitate public works projects and encourage fruitful deliberations amongst all parties. It helps to ensure that while any government taking would likely be more expensive than a negotiated settlement, there is still a process in place to secure land needed for works projects in the event of a stalemate or attempted price gouging. When used incorrectly, eminent domain can result in some of the horrible urban renewal projects that occured across the United States during the middle of the 20th century. However, as I stated previously, thsi bill has the neccessary safeguards to ensure taht no one person or entity has the ability to take private land without due process.
--BL[/quote:2r3kpxnr]
I really do not see the need of a bill of this sort. Using eminent domain to aquire property for the town will result in problems. So you want to expand the marketplace? Where will the property owner be moved to and what if the citizen says NO to the deal? What if you are taking a highly profitable plot from someone who is a political foe to give to a supporter? I am not suggesting the current administration would do such a deed but what about the next one?
