Blackmail?

Dear Editor,

I hope the city and Jay Hancock can come to a mutual agreement on the purchase of his property, but more then likely I would guess this matter will end up in the courts.

It must be fun dealing with a potential buyer that makes public its plans to condemn your land if you don't sell to them at their bidding price by Friday. This almost sounds like a form of blackmail to me.

For the citizens of McCook who don't understand or are misinformed about "Eminent Domain," it's the power of the government to take private property belonging to its citizens. It can also be called "Condemnation" or in some states "Expropriation."

And believe me, if it can happen to Jay it can happen to you or me.

Does the city really want to travel this road again (courts)? Will the nitrate levels raise once dredging stops?

Is it wise to develop a water field underneath an old mining operation (air base)? I've got an idea, let's treat the water we have and get on to other business.

As a parting note, I would strongly advise Jay to contact the Owners Counsel (www.ownerscounsel). Jay, this is an association of lawyers that specializes in eminent domain and regularly represent owners in condemnation cases. They have at least one member per state.

Kirt Matson

McCook