February 7, 2018

Ward County FB initiates lawsuit

Topic: Issues

February 6, 2018: NDFB believes property rights are among the human rights essential to the preservation of individual freedom. But sometimes even county governments can take property rights and that is what Ward County Farm Bureau is alleging in a lawsuit they are filing in U.S. District Court.

Download the Holding county government responsible mp3.

Read the transcript:

Picture this. You have a son or daughter that wants to come back to the farm and ranch and live the way that they appreciated growing up and be a part of the family farm or ranch. To do that, they are going to have to build a home where they can raise their family. And you have the perfect spot, out on the west 40.

But there’s a hitch. The county tells you to get a permit you have to “donate” some land to them. Yes, I said you have to donate some land to them. Some are calling that holding your permit for the ransom of donated land to the county.

This week, NDFB is proud to support Ward County Farm Bureau and the actions they have taken to file a lawsuit in U.S. District Court against the Ward County Commission for this, what they call illegal takings of land.

There is a way that land can be taken and utilized for public use under the Constitution. And at NDFB, we believe that property rights are among the human rights essential to the preservation of individual freedom. And we respect the Constitution.

The Constitution allows, through the Takings Clause, to utilize land for a clear public need. But there are three criteria, that first one being there is a clear public need, and the taking is in proportion to the need. Second, there is due process. And third, there is just compensation to the property owner.

Ward County Farm Bureau, in their due diligence, in researching this issue, is claiming that Ward County Commission is violating all three of those parameters in the taking of their private property.

So, when you look at that picture of having your family back on your farm and ranch being stymied by the Ward County Commission, or any county commission, because that should be the due diligence we all put in.

Just like the Ward County Farm Bureau did, all of us should pay attention to what’s going on in our county, because if we don’t, who is going to hold our government accountable in the end?