Mehan cited a bill to change eminent domain regulations sponsored by Rep. Steve Hobbs, R-Mexico, as an example. He said the final legislation passed by the legislature still allows cities to use condemnation as a force for economic development, a move he attributed to a last-minute compromise by many competing interests, such as the Farm Bureau, the cities of St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield and the Chamber of Commerce.
Barwinski, who represents people displaced by construction of the new runway at Lambert International Airport in St. Louis, said the two assured each other that a House bill sponsored by Rep. Steve Hobbs, R-Mexico, would do little to shift the status quo of eminent domain.
The legislation, which is sponsored by Rep. Steve Hobbs, R-Mexico, was approved 154-4, with all five lawmakers who represent Boone County voting for the measure. But even Hobbs acknowledged some would have liked to see stronger legislation.
Harris, along with Robb, Rep. Steve Hobbs, D-Mexico, Rep. Ed Robb and Rep. Wes Shoemyer, D-Clarence voted for legislation sponsored by Rep. Marilyn Ruestman, R-Joplin. The bill passed the House 132-23.
McLaren was one of many interested parties who packed themselves into a hearing room to testify on a bill sponsored by Steve Hobbs, R-Mexico and co-sponsored by House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, that would reform the state's eminent domain regulations.
"[The bill] stops the use of condemnation in an economic development environment," said the bill's primary sponsor -- Rep. Steve Hobbs, R-Mexico. "You can't use condemnation to enhance your tax base or create jobs or to promote economic health. Those things you can't do in private situations."
In 2005, Rep. Judy Baker, D-Columbia, Sen. Chuck Graham, D-Columbia, Rep. Jeff Harris, D-Columbia, Rep. Steve Hobbs, R-Mexico, Rep. Ed Robb, R-Columbia and Rep. Wes Shoemyer, D-Clarence, received a combined total of over $8,000 in meals, travel and entertainment from lobbyists.