08/07/06 Farm Bureau`s I-933 qualifies for ballot

Washington Ag August 7, 2006 The Washington State Farm Bureau's Initiative 933 has been officially qualified for the November ballot by the Secretary of State. According to election officials, a check of petition signatures submitted in support of the proposal has shown that the measure meets constitutional requirements for a minimum of 224,800 valid voter signatures. Initiative 933, what the Farm Bureau calls the Property Fairness Initiative, would require compensation when government regulation damages the use or value of private property, including regulations prohibiting or restricting property uses that were allowed as of January 1st 1996. In a recent interview Farm Bureau President Steve Appel said they know the opposition to 933 is going to be spending a lot of dollars. Appel: "Well the opponents have already tried to put up some arguments. They have put out some full page ads in newspapers where they say they are just opposed to 933. But the truth of it is we don't believe their arguments are all that strong and we have answers for all their arguments." Governor Chris Gregoire has vowed to help defeat 933 saying it is poorly drafted and far too broad. Gregoire says she will work with the Legislature to find solutions. I'm Bob Hoff.