Texas -

Texas Sportsmen and Conservation Groups have overwhelmingly endorsed Proposition 11, a constitutional amendment to limit the taking of private property by eminent domain, which will appear on the Nov. 3, 2009 ballot for (early voting is Oct 19-30).
 
Joey Park, chairman of the Texas Outdoor Partners, a coalition of conservation and sportsmen’s organizations, said, “Eminent domain has been a hot button issue with the public the past couple of years, and sportsmen and conservationists have a keen interest in wanting to protect our open spaces and fish and wildlife habitats.” 
“Prop 11 fixes the U.S. Supreme Court’s Kelo decision,” said Kirby Brown of Texas Wildlife Association, “by ensuring that private property is taken for a strictly legitimate public use, not for economic development or enhanced tax revenue.  Sportsmen and conservation groups want to protect their favorite hunting places, bait shops or a favorite boat launch from being condemned by local governments, and turned into to a hotel/conference center or business park that excludes them from the outdoors, just to generate additional local tax revenues.” 

The following groups have signed on to support Prop 11 (in alphabetical order):
Dallas Safari Club
Exotic Wildlife Association
Houston Safari Club
Kayak Anglers Society of America
National Wild Turkey Federation - Texas Chapters
Plateau Land and Wildlife
Recreational Fishing Association of Texas
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation – Texas Chapter
Safari Club International – Austin Chapter
San Antonio Metropolitan League of Bass Clubs
Sensible Management of Aquatic Resources Team
Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association
Texas Association of Bass Clubs
Texas Bass Federation Nation
Texas Bighorn Society
Texas Black Bass Unlimited
Texas Deer Association
Texas Forestry Association
Texas Gulf Coast Stewards
Texas Hawking Association
TexasHuntFish.Com
Texas Organization of Wildlife Management Areas
Texas Outdoor Council
Texas Sportsman’s Association
Texas State Council of Quail Unlimited Chapters
Texas Trappers and Fur Hunters
Texas Trophy Hunters Association
Texas Wildlife Association
 
Park noted that early elections are October 19th-30th, while Election Day is Tuesday November. 3rd. Contact your county election office for polling information. Park concluded, “The sportsmen and conservation groups listed here urge you to vote yes on Prop 11 to protect your property rights, your hunting and fishing spots, and your future.” 

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