Letter: Bobby Kaufmann silent on eminent domain

State Rep. Bobby Kaufmann is 'eyeing” a run against Congressman Dave Loebsack ('Bobby Kaufmann eyes congressional run,” March 18). He cites his work 'defending property rights from unjustified use of eminent domain” as one qualification.

That's strange because I heard nothing but silence from Kaufmann on the biggest abuse of eminent domain in recent memory - the Dakota Access pipeline. Landowners and farmers went to court to protect their property. They got no help or word of support from Kaufmann.

Likewise, here in Johnson County, when the City of North Liberty (in connivance with the City of Coralville) used eminent domain to gain access to private property - and even illegally sent surveyors to trespass there - Kaufmann was again silent. He did not respond to repeated email requests for help on this matter.

My advice to voters: don't judge Kaufmann by what he says, judge him by what he does and how he votes.

Jim Walters

Iowa City