Posted on 09/09/2005 4:04:11 PM PDT by calcowgirl
Legislation by Assemblywoman Wolk, D-Davis, to authorize the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians to participate in a Joint Powers Authority with Yolo County and other local governments and agencies was passed by the Assembly Wednesday with a 43-22 vote.
Last year, Yolo County initiated efforts to acquire public ownership of the Conaway Ranch property in order to preserve the important natural resources on the property for public benefit. Assembly Bill 1747 would authorize the Rumsey Band to participate in a JPA with Yolo County, the cities of Woodland, West Sacramento, Davis and Winters, the Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, and the UC Davis effective January 1, 2006.
"This bill would authorize the Rumsey Tribe to have a seat at the table as one of the participants in a JPA established to manage a very special parcel of land in Yolo County known as the Conaway Ranch," said Wolk in her floor statement. "Yolo County has a unique opportunity to preserve a real gem in our county."
The 17,000-acre Conaway Ranch is the most significant remaining open space area in Yolo County, and includes more than 15,000 acres of sustainable farmland, provides important wetlands habitat for migratory birds along the Pacific flyway, and contains other important natural resources such as agriculture, open space and water resources.
Several assemblymembers rose to speak in support of AB 1747, including Dave Jones, D-Sacramento, coauthor of the measure.
"Yolo County has been a leader in this State in fostering collaborative relationships with Native American tribes within the county," said Jones. "There has been a lot of discussion on this floor and throughout the state about trying to make sure we foster more collaborative relationships between sovereign Indian nations and local government. We should support this bill because it does exactly the sort of thing we've been calling for."
"Whether the county acquires this property through condemnation or through a negotiated sale will proceed regardless of what happens with this bill," Wolk said. "However, this bill is necessary to give the Rumsey Band an opportunity to participate as an equal partner with other governmental entities in the management of this unique property for public benefit. Allowing the Tribe to participate in the JPA enables a collaborative, public process for joint management of the property for the benefit of all the people of Yolo County and is the right thing to do."
AB 1747 next goes to Gov. Schwarzenegger, who will have 30 days to sign the bill after it comes to his desk. The bill's supporters include Yolo County, the bill's sponsor, as well as the University of California, the Sierra Club, Yolo Audubon Society, and the California State Association of Counties.
Ping!
Another good veto opportunity.
The list of supporters tells us everything we need to know. I'm surprised that list doesn't include the SCOTUS...
It is, but I am concerned our RINO governor may actually sign this one. After all, he bought into that massive land grab known as the Sierra conservancy.
>>It is, but I am concerned our RINO governor may actually sign this one. After all, he bought into that massive land grab known as the Sierra conservancy.
Agreed. He's hooked pretty close to RJKjr and those NRDC folks. I haven't looked in detail at this bill to know if some of the same cast of characters are present.
Hey, SW--Aren't ya sorry you were wondering about Czar?
I think this post may move him up into your top-ten list!
Wait a minute! I wasn't wonderin about him! He was checkin out ol ElkGroveDan!!!
Translation: This bill allows the gov't to include socialism as an official gov't policy. Tribal members are treated as wards of the State, and as such, it is the only true socialism we have in this country - thank you FDR.
In a related story, I wonder how the Ute Tribe is doing with the 80,000 acres they got from the gov in northern Utah?
Arnold's Veto Message (10/07/05 #3):
http://www.governor.ca.gov/govsite/pdf/vetoes_2005/AB_1747_veto.pdf
To the Members of the California State Assembly:
I am returning Assembly Bill 1747 without my signature.
The Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians is a leader among California’s sovereign tribes. Their willingness to partner with the state and local governments to solve problems, protect the environment and work cooperatively with Yolo County and various public entities in the area is commendable. They are a valued and respected Tribe and member of the Yolo County community. I am encouraged by their continued willingness to work with state and local governments on so many important issues.
But allowing a tribal government that is not subject to all of the federal, state and local laws that protect the public, to participate in the exercise of public power, particularly off reservation lands, diminishes public accountability and control. This bill also presents significant policy questions regarding the proper role of a tribal sovereign when their partnership with a local government can lead to the taking of property for public purposes through eminent domain. The simple fact is that the sovereign tribes can work cooperatively with their local governments through agreements and memorandums of understanding as contemplated in the tribal-state compacts my administration has executed.
Sincerely,
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Ping to above.
To his credit, Arnold got another one right (vetoed yesterday).
Tom was very strongly opposed to the passage of this bill, fwiw. :-)
October 3, 2005 Press Conference on AB 1747
http://republican.sen.ca.gov/web/mcclintock/article_detail.asp?PID=302
Tom for Lt. Gub
http://www.tommcclintock.net/
Also linking to the prior Dan Walters column on same subject from last month.
Dan Walters: Eminent domain bills are stalled - except one for casino tribe
Sacramento Bee ^ | 9/16/5 | Dan Walters
Posted on 09/16/2005 8:01:38 AM PDT by SmithL
Yes he did, and good for Arnold. But really, wasn't this a no-brainer? Lots of fallout if he signs--mostly applause for vetoing.
Agreed.
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