Publication date:
25 February 2015Length of book:
160 pagesPublisher
Lexington BooksDimensions:
227x153mm6x9"
ISBN-13: 9781498510943
This book is about changing the way we do public administration. It is about the wielding of administrative discretion in the implementation of a constitutional power: eminent domain, taking private property for public use. Administrative Discretion in Action: A Narrative of Eminent Domain, emphasizes the normative, constitutional perspective of public administration to study administrators’ decision-making process that balances economic, political, and community interests—often in that order. It is about facilitating dialogue between public officials and the public.
This book is a tool for interested scholars, practitioners, students, and community members about the dynamic of administration of public affairs in a political context. Grounded in public administration theory, this book utilizes an in-depth, comprehensive analysis of the US Supreme Court’s landmark 2005 decision in Kelo v. New London—from the perspective of public officials and community members in the state of Connecticut (home of Kelo case)—to share a balanced narrative.
This book is a tool for interested scholars, practitioners, students, and community members about the dynamic of administration of public affairs in a political context. Grounded in public administration theory, this book utilizes an in-depth, comprehensive analysis of the US Supreme Court’s landmark 2005 decision in Kelo v. New London—from the perspective of public officials and community members in the state of Connecticut (home of Kelo case)—to share a balanced narrative.
Olejarski uses a mixed-method narrative to explore the use of eminent domain in practice. She illustrates the tensions among the various stakeholders in local government decisions about using eminent domain with the story of Kelo v. New London (2005). The tone is as conversational as is possible, given the technical subject matter. The author draws on survey and interview data from Connecticut to provide a narrative of how administrators and members of the public perceive their roles in the eminent domain process. She develops an interesting typology of administrators based on their attitudes toward public support and community improvement, although it is not clear how the characters involved in the Kelo case are located in it or how this might help explain the outcome. Although the book is more descriptive than analytical, Olejarski does develop some sage advice for practitioners in the field. Most important, she recommends that practitioners learn more about eminent domain ahead of time and that they work hard to foster a sense of inclusion and fairness among affected citizens. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers, undergraduate students, and professionals.