....May 11, 5:02 PM
 
 
   
A Quick Look At The World With Greg Meeks

Congressman Greg Meeks & Mike Schenkler. Tribune Photo by Ira Cohen
By MICHAEL SCHENKLER

Greg Meeks stopped by for a cup of coffee recently. I am continually impressed with the knowledge, wisdom and insight demonstrated by our Members of Congress. Unlike other legislative bodies, the House of Representatives seems to challenge and inspire its members to new levels.

Greg is no exception. On each topic, he delivered his opinion with a lighthearted yet knowledgeable command.
A member of the International Relations Committee, Greg had strong opinions on our role in the world.

On nuclear Iran: “We’re backed into a corner because of Iraq, I don’t see military options. . . I don’t think there is an imminent threat that they will have a nuclear weapon – [it’ll take] five or six years.”

Greg voted against the Iraq war and explains: “I’m no dove – if had believed that there was any connection between Iraq and 9-11 I’d have voted for it in a heartbeat.”

“[Iraq] didn’t have the capability of building a bomb, yet North Korea and Iran have more of a possibility of building a weapon.”

On the administration’s foreign policy: “We were going in a different direction internationally before George Bush – he was the one who could bring folks together. Every policy decision this guy has made has isolated us from other parts of the world – every one. I can’t think of a guy who has been more of a disaster.”

In reaction to the rumored primary for his Congressional seat by Councilman James Sanders: “It’s America, he can run – you don’t take anything for granted in this business.
The best way to get beat in this business is to sit back and to think nobody’s going to run against you, nobody can beat you, take things for granted – and I refuse to do that. My focus is trying to make sure that you’re doing what you have to do – keep doing what I’ve been doing for the last 8 years in Washington – delivering for folks.”

“Greg,” I asked, “what are the odds of the Democrats taking back the House [of Representatives]?

“[It’s] 50-50 to get the House back. We would have the odds in our favor, but for the number of contested seats. . . If the election were held tomorrow we would win. We need 15 – it’s possible – the Republicans are the gift that keeps on giving. . . People keep talking about what’s the Democratic strategy, what’s your plan. It’s too early. . . You’ve got to be wise about how you’re spending dollars, be wise about how you spend your resources. . . One of the reasons I’m always trying to build back up is I give money away trying to win the House.”

I changed topics and asked: Will Joe Crowley be the next Democratic County Leader? Can a Congressman serve in that position? Who should be the successor to Tom Manton? You?

“My opinion is that as I read the law it seems to be that it can’t be done [a Congressman can’t be Leader]. I don’t want to be county leader. I do believe district leaders of the Sixth Congressional District need to be big time players and have a key role. In Queens County the most loyal and trusted [Democratic] vote is the people of the 6th – they should have a strong voice.”

One possibility that came out of our discussion was the former Councilman from Greg’s District, Archie Spigner – as senior as any member of the Democratic Executive Committee.

“There is no one who knows politics more than Archie Spigner,” said Greg, “nobody who has more respect in the county than Archie – a perfect compromise candidate. [But] I have not heard anyone talking about Tom Manton stepping down – everyone is pleased with how Tom is managing – he has been a great leader. . . I say long live Tom Manton.”
Immigration: “The bill that passed the House is a ridiculous bill – it is terrible – I voted against it. I’m closer to Bush’s position – I think he needs to expend more political capital – no way in the world you are going to deport 11 million people.”

“At one point in our history you didn’t have papers – they gave you papers when you arrived at Ellis Island. Give them [illegals] the opportunity to earn citizenship. I don’t think anything [legislative] is going to happen this year.
Choice for President in ’08? “Clearly, I am with Hillary Clinton.”

Gas prices: “Some of that is mishandling of international relations. . . We’ve got to invest more in finding alternatives. The bottom line here is the American people – let them start screaming when its $4 a gallon — and it will be – we’ve got to really come up with people who say we’re not going to tolerate it – oil execs making record profits - $400 million severance package from Exxon.”

Where is Greg Meeks headed? “I love the job – I love what I’m doing. If [there was] an opportunity to be a member of the U.S. Senate, it would be an honor. [But I now have] one of the greatest jobs in the world.”

Michael Schenkler can be reached via this contact form.

 
 
Mayor Bloomberg Defends Eminent Domain

By HENRY STERN

Eminent domain had long been considered settled law. The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution provides: “Nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” This recognizes that private property can be taken if just compensation is paid. The right to take property, provided the state pays the property owner, is considered an attribute of sovereignty.

At the groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for the TKTS booth (which sells half-price theatre tickets on the day of the performance) in Father Duffy Square (47th Street and Broadway), the mayor made a strong defense of eminent domain. He called it a basic governmental power, without which there would be no Central Park or many other great public works the mayor termed essential to the economic growth of the city.

The Kelo case upheld the power of municipalities to use eminent domain for economic development. The majority of the Supreme Court held that local governments should be afforded wide latitude in seizing property, and should have the right to make land use decisions of a local nature.

The condemned buildings were attractive private homes that were taken to build housing at higher density and commercial space, as part of a general plan to redevelop an area of New London known as Fort Trumbull, where the Pfizer Corporation was building a plant.

The Kelo decision irritated Congress and led to negative newspaper editorials. This set off a flurry of bills to limit eminent domain to public works and not to allow its use for economic development. A restrictive bill was passed by the House with 376 votes in favor and only 38 dissenters. The Senate passed a more moderate bill, but with similar intent.

This case illustrated the principle that “hard cases make bad law.”

In his remarks, Mayor Bloomberg said that it would have been impossible for the City of New York to redevelop Times Square, or complete any major project, without eminent domain. There will always be a holdout landowner, who may own a small parcel on the site, who will not sell either for sentimental reasons or because he wants an extortionate price.

The use of eminent domain is essential for municipally guided development, yet one must be careful to see that the power of the state is not used merely to substitute one private landowner for another. The majority in Kelo held that such land use decisions should be made by local government. Many legislators feel that additional protection is needed for private property. The laws proposed, however, are quite restrictive. One would deny the use of federal funds in any project where eminent domain is used, and blacklist the offending city for several years. This would impede cities in their efforts to improve blighted areas.

In the absence of an objective standard for taking property, the matter is probably best left to officials who are accountable to the voters for their decisions.

Mayor Bloomberg has exercised leadership in speaking out on this issue and bringing it to public attention. In recent weeks, he has held a gun-control summit at Gracie Mansion, and urged the State of New York to collect DNA samples from all convicted criminals. That proposal has so far been resisted by Assembly Democrats who believe that some of their constituents could be adversely affected if their DNA were readily available to the authorities.

These Mayoral activities portend a more energetic second term than we had predicted. We are one-third of the way around the first lap of a four-lap race. The first two or three laps are times for achievement, because politics sets in as elections approach, and people do strange things when they believe that their futures are at stake.

The mayor’s non-candidacy in 2009 cuts two ways. He is relieved from the necessity of catering to current opinion and is free to do what he thinks is best for the city in the long run. On the other hand, people know that he will be out of City Hall in 2010, which lessens the fear factor affecting their conduct with regard to his wishes.

All in all, at this time, things are looking up for the city. The budget surplus, the spring weather and the absence of bitter controversy all contribute to the positive mood many New Yorkers feel. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Starquest@NYCivic.org

Not4Publication.com by Dom Nunziato
Michael Schenkler can be reached via this contact form.