Who do Representatives Really Support?

Last week, I had the pleasure of talking with Representative Ed Orcutt, who is the Washington state sponsor of bill HB 1479, which is an act that would end legalized land theft (aka adverse possession) in Washington state.

All politics aside, Mr. Orcutt is one top-notch representative (all other representatives, please take note).

Last time I checked, we live in a representative democracy, where the PEOPLE elect those to represent OUR needs, wants and desires. This way, laws are passed that reflect the majority of the population.

In sponsoring HB 1479, Mr. Orcutt is doing exactly what his duty requires - to create laws that the populace wants.

In fact, Mr. Orcutt was kind enough to provide End Adverse Possession Now with a quote regarding his views on HB 1479 and ending legalized land theft.

“I have seen the cost and headaches suffered by homeowners as they try to defend their property from taking via adverse possession and the resulting heartache when they lost it anyway – for no valid reason,” says the bill’s prime sponsor, Rep Ed Orcutt (R) Kalama. “It is a law that made sense in ancient times but has little or no value today. It is an issue which needs to be addressed by the legislature to fit modern times – before it tears apart more families and neighborhoods."

This stands in stark contrast to Rep. Jamie Pederson, whom I have also shared communications with. Mr. Pedersen, a lawyer by trade and Yale Law School graduate, advocates legalized land theft, and despite numerous e-mails and calls to his office by many constituents in Washington, Mr. Pedersen instead sides with the attorneys who have so much to lose if HB 1479 passes.

And, that is the issue... instead of being a representative of the PEOPLE, Mr. Pedersen prefers to represent his attorney friends (the same, which by the way who contributed significantly to his election).

We stand on the cusp of new legislation, HB 1479, which would end legalized land theft. It is time that our representatives do the right thing, and show their support of this bill that represents fairness and justice for all.