The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania - Forum

Here is a PG story (7/14/2008) about a man in Washington County who apparently just wants to be left alone. He is living “off the grid” and has for quite some time.  I’m pretty sure that the local papers here in the Pittsburgh area have written about him in the past as his story is so familiar.  Response to the story is seen in two PG LTEs today (7/26/2008) supporting the idea of leaving him alone.

It seems that he hasn’t resisted intrusion by force or by the courts.  He simply goes to jail, serves time and is released.  Here’s a link to the PG article and a quote that sums it up:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08196/896904-52.stm

“The Washington County man who uses no public utilities -- and has served three stints in the county jail because of his battles -- could face more legal wrangling for refusing to tap into the local sewage system.  William Williams, 78, of Cecil, is pressing ahead with his long-held doctrine that he, not public utilities or authorities, dictates what happens on his property.”

Today’s LTEs: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08208/899673-110.stm

For those more in tune with local PA government workings, especially in rural areas, I’m curious about a few things and would like to hear your thoughts.

** What if they would fine him for something like $5000/day and eventually took his property.  Can local governments do that easily?  Does the owner have anything like Miranda rights when property is involved?  Would this raise the anger of local citizens even if they consider the owner a nutcase?

** Is it politically easier for local governments to condemn his house as not meeting standards and then padlocking it to refuse him entry? 

** If condemned and padlocked, could he live in a tent or a trailer, for example, and be left alone that way?  (That is, no fixed, permanent structure.)

** Are there homeowners in your area like this person?  That is, living off-the-grids and simply wanting to be left alone?

Mark