HOW THEY BEAT TAKINGS
Thanks to A
Clear View, a five-page publication of the Environmental Working
Group in Washington, D.C., we have a better understanding of how a
proposed takings law in Washington state was defeated. The toughest
in the nation, the law would have forced taxpayers to pay property
owners whenever any government regulation led to a loss of land.
The key to victory was rallying a diverse group of dedicated
volunteers who worked on the local level against what seemed an
impossibly tight deadline. The coalition drew members of the League
of Women Voters, an association of Washington churches, a group of
Washington cities and many environmental organizations. But a green
message never predominated; instead the coalition emphasized the
sheer costs of the takings law. Because the effort brought together
many interests, campaign directors say they were able to raise
$900,000 and collect 231,122 signatures – far more than the 90,000
names needed – to defeat Referendum 48. For more information, call
the Environmental Working Group at
202/667-6982.
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline How they beat takings.
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