Local News
Texans appove Proposition 11
PALESTINE — Texans overwhelmingly stood in favor of private property rights in Tuesday’s Constitutional Amendment Election passing Proposition 11 by a roughly 81 percent to 19 percent margin.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry said, “By approving Proposition 11, the voters of Texas have sent a clear message: Don’t mess with private property rights. This measure provides needed protections for private property owners and builds a firewall between the misguided principles of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Kelo ruling.”
Proposition 11 is a Texas constitutional amendment that prohibits the taking, damaging or destroying of private property for public use. It also bars the taking of private property for certain economic development purposes and limits the legislature’s authority to grant the power of eminent domain to certain entities.
Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples, of Palestine, said the vote spoke volumes.
“It shows Texans still value the heritage of this great state,” Staples said, noting private property rights. He also said the vote was an important opportunity to remind all Texans of the state’s heritage.
The people of Anderson County were even louder in their support for eminent domain as they supported the measure by a 86.55 to 13.44 percent margin. For the election 496 people voted early, with 2,656 voting on Election Day.
As for the other propositions, all 11 passed in the statewide election.
Voters went a different path, though, in Anderson County. Proposition 1 which created financial buffer areas adjacent to military installations failed to carry Anderson County by a 54.58 to 45.41 percent margin.
Also, Proposition 4 dealing with funds going to assist research universities failed to pass in Anderson County by a 61.64 to 38.35 percent margin. County voters also chose to go against Proposition 5 for a single appraisal review board for adjoining entities.
For more on the voting totals, go to the Texas Secretary of State’s Web site at www.sos.state.tx.us
- Local News
-
-
Danini finds home for restaurant in Palestine
When Elias Danini drove through Palestine and saw the building for sale in the Palestine Plaza, he knew it would make the perfect place for a new Mexican restaurant.
-
Man pleads not guilty to robberies
A 17-year-old Palestine man charged in connection with a pair of convenience store robberies this past fall has pled not guilty to the charges, while a second suspect in the same offense has been deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial.
-
Authorities still seek burglary suspect
Anderson County sheriff’s authorities continue to seek one suspect in the Thanksgiving theft of a 1-ton generator near Neches, according to Anderson County Sheriff Greg Taylor.
- County OKs software upgrade
-
Wings of Freedom Tour coming to Palestine
The Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom Tour is coming to Palestine in March, offering a rare look at World War II and aviation history.
- Retired Bridgadier General to speak in Palestine
-
City council to meet Monday
The Palestine City Council will consider a handful of items Monday relating to the heavily-damaged Palestine Public Library which was condemned late last year following two separate roof collapses.
-
'Smallest Gospel Singer' coming to Elkhart Sunday, Feb. 7
Lowell Mason has been called the World's Smallest Gospel Singer because of his unique height of only 46 inches. His voice, however has no comparison to his size.
- Texas State Railroad offering Valentine's dinner trains
-
Special meeting set Tuesday for VVA, AVVA
The Vietnam Veterans of America and the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America Palestine Chapter 991 will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday at a special time this month.
- More Local News Headlines
-
