Dear editor,

The stunning defeat of Suzette Kelo's U.S. Supreme Court appeal to save her home from eminent domain abuse has delivered a strong message to cities and counties that they can use eminent domain to take any property they want, for just about any reason.

This message has emboldened them, especially including the city of Napa, to embark on huge new programs of eminent domain takings. Witness the huge pending eminent domain taking of land along Napa's Soscol Avenue (Napa Register, May 6).

Similarly, the defeat of Napa County's Measure A would send a strong message to all local governments that they can use regulatory takings to take anything they want, for any reason. Regulatory takings are different from eminent domain; under regulatory takings, you don't get paid.

The defeat of Measure A would embolden the city of Napa and other cities to embark on huge new programs of regulatory "takings." If Measure A were to fail, no one's property would be safe.

However, voting yes on Measure A will deliver a strong message to all local governments that they must keep their hands off our homes and businesses. Measure A says they can't use regulatory takings to take our property unless they either compensate us for the taking, or get voters to approve it.

Measure A is essential protection for private property, and right now that looks especially important for anyone living in the City of Napa.

Vote yes on Measure A.

Francis Wilkinson

Napa