Dear Hampton Chronicle Editor

Dear Hampton Chronicle Editor,
Recently I received a letter from Franklin County Auditor Gwana Wirtjes notifying me that exterior and interior inspections of my home would be conducted starting in April 2018. I understand all Franklin County property owners received this letter. Initially, I was taken aback by Ms. Wirtjes’ letter – and its implied authority to force inspections. As I thought about her letter additionally, my initial reaction changed to disappointing, aggravating frustration. Ms. Wirtjes’ entire letter is premised upon ignoring the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article 1, Section 8 of the Iowa Constitution. The Fourth Amendment to the Untied States Constitution and the Iowa Constitution state:
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
These constitutional provisions prohibit the government from conducting unreasonable searches of property, and they underscore the importance our forefathers placed upon being free of government intrusion. It is a shame and massive disappointment that certain local governmental officials believe this kind of government behavior is acceptable. I wish it was not necessary to write this letter, but it cannot be questioned, that government overreach is alive and well in Franklin County.
Absent a search warrant, I, for one, will not allow anyone from the Franklin County Assessor’s Office to set foot on my property, nor will I allow any representative of Vanguard Appraisals, Inc to set foot on my property.
Brian D. Miller