Eminent Domain

Editor, Times-Union:
Fellow Citizens,
As residents of Kosciusko County, we have long valued property rights, limited government, and fiscal responsibility. Values our elected officials claim to uphold. The recent use of eminent domain to acquire private property for a speculative parking garage exemplifies government overreach. At a recent commissioner meeting, Bob Conley himself admitted they don’t even know “if” they’re going to build this.
As an attorney, although I must admit law school is far behind me, I seem to recall eminent domain requires a clear governmental necessity. Yet here we are in Warsaw, with Commissioner Bob Conley saying they don’t know “if” this parking garage will happen. If the project’s future is uncertain, why are we taking someone’s property now?
Eminent domain shouldn't be a tool for guessing games. It’s meant for a concrete, proven public need. Until the “if” becomes certain, the taking should be off the table.
Travis McConnell
Warsaw, via email