CHIUSOLO FOR ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE

CHIUSOLO SAYS HE WILL PROVIDE REAL PROTECTION FROM EMINENT DOMAIN ABUSE
Chide's DiVincenzo for Failing To Stand Up For Property Rights

"How can our county executive bury his head in the sand on this very important and very basic issue of property rights?� NEWS RELEASE
CHIUSOLO SAYS HE WILL PROVIDE REAL PROTECTION FROM EMINENT DOMAIN ABUSE Chides DiVincenzo for Failing To Stand Up For Property Rights

Thom Ammirato
Call 973-403-7836 June 20, 2006

Cedar Grove -- Since New Jersey’s state lawmakers won’t protect property rights on the state level, Essex County Executive candidate Joseph Chiusolo says he will do it on the county level.
Chiusolo, a Republican, said yesterday’s eminent domain bill passed out of the commerce and economic development committee by a 6-1 vote offers few real protections for property owners such as those in Newark and Bloomfield, who are facing condemnation claims by their respective cities.

“The sad fact is that Trenton Democrats are giving us a dog and pony show when it comes to curtailing the abuse of eminent domain,� said Chiusolo, a business owner. “They refuse to curb eminent domain abuse.�
“As county executive, I will oppose any redevelopment plan in Essex County that calls for the use of eminent domain. I will not let county tax dollars be used to violate the most basic right Americans have -- the right to own a home or a business. That right cannot be taken away so some politically connected developer can make money off of property they don’t own,� said Chiusolo.

Chiusolo said he will not allow any public money flowing through Essex County -- whether it is economic development funds, or bonding through the Essex County Improvement Authority -- to be used to support redevelopment projects that include eminent domain.
Chiusolo also said he will push to have a county-wide referendum placed on the ballot the year after he is elected, asking voters if they want tax dollars used for eminent domain redevelopment.

“I think the politicians in this county are afraid to listen to the people and afraid to hear what they think about eminent domain,� said the Cedar Grove councilman.

“The politicians in Newark -- like my opponent Joe DiVincenzo -- are too eager to do the bidding of developers who contribute heavily to their campaigns. Eminent domain is not a vital tool for redevelopment. It’s a shortcut for developers. I oppose it, but apparently Mr. DiVincenzo does not,� said Chiusolo.

The GOP candidate noted that County Executive DiVincenzo has been silent on eminent domain, even though cities in the county are abusing their power to take private property.

“How can our county executive bury his head in the sand on this very important and very basic issue of property rights?� asked Chiusolo.