From the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
John Adams, signer of the Declaration of Independence, former President of the United States, firmly proclaimed: "Property is surely a right of mankind, as real as liberty."
And James Madison, Philosopher, Founder, and Statesman stated: "Government is instituted to protect property of every sort; as well that which lies in the various rights of individuals, as that which the term particularly expresses. This being the end of government, that alone is a just government, which impartially secures to every man, whatever is his own."
"In a political context, virtually nothing was as important to the Framers of the United States as property rights.... It was a whole series of property disputes that gave rise to both the American Revolution and the Constitutional Convention itself." (Property Rights, Freedom, and the Constitution by Rick Lynch, Posted March 18, 2009, fff.org)
We own a parcel of land situated on the corner of 45th and Humboldt North. We really like it there and are working to make it our permanent home. Without our knowledge, our property was placed under threat of eminent domain by Hennepin County Commissioners Mike Opat and Mark Steinglein. Thankfully, Hennepin County Commissioners Jan Callison and Jeff R. Johnson presented a resolution to remove our home from the threat of eminent domain. The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously for this rescission. We are grateful to all of the commissioners for this decision.
Hennepin County has accumulated over 82,000 square feet of property (the old grocery store, two parking lots, and a grassy field where two buildings have recently been demolished). This acquisition far exceeds that which is needed for a 10,000 square foot library. To claim that my family stands in the way of the construction of the new Webber Library is unfair and untrue.
We would like a new Webber Library to be built. The ideal place for the new Webber Library is on 44th Avenue where foot and vehicle traffic abound. Furthermore, placing a commercial building on the parkway will detract from the serenity and beauty of its green space.
Our parcel is not needed for this project. Camden residents with whom I spoke said they would like to see the new library on 44th Avenue. We are hopeful that Camden residents will openly be invited to a meeting and respectfully be given the opportunity to express their hopes and desires.
Even if some of this property Hennepin County currently owns were developed into a commercial space with high density housing, as has been suggested, there would still be plenty of room for a library on the land the county already owns. Human ingenuity and creativity trump perceived restrictions of space.
My family and I continue to work on enhancing our home and yard. Some may think we are too slow as we go about our business. We do the best we can. We are ordinary people trying to pursue our lives, our liberties, and our happiness.
Valerie Holler
Webber-Camden