I heard that a number of states had propositions on their November ballots that would make it harder for the government to seize private property for public purposes. How did the propositions fare?

Twelve states had measures on their ballots that would put new restrictions on “eminent domain,” the government’s right to seize a person’s home or other property. Nine of the 12 measures were approved, most of them by a wide margin.

The spate of new proposals was triggered by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year in Kelo v. the City of New London, in which the court upheld the right of local officials in Connecticut to take 15 mostly well-kept homes from their owners to help a private developer build a massive project aimed at boosting the community’s tax-revenue base. The ruling sent shock waves through the real estate industry and prompted many property owners across America to revolt.

The latest states that approved tougher restrictions on the government’s ability to exercise its right of eminent domain are Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oregon and South Carolina. In all, more than 30 states have adopted tighter rules in the wake of the Kelo ruling.

Voters in California, Idaho and Washington state rejected new restrictions in the November elections.

Q: I have lived all over the country and have read your syndicated column religiously in various newspapers for almost 20 years. We’ve never met, but you feel like an “old friend” to me – which explains why I was so saddened to read your recent article that said your father had been diagnosed with cancer. How is he doing?

A: Thanks for your concern. I am deeply grateful to the hundreds of readers who have sent in cards or letters like yours.

I’m sorry to say that my dad passed away on Oct. 20 – just two weeks after doctors shocked my family with the news that a routine medical checkup had led to the discovery of inoperable pancreatic cancer.

Pop was 87 years young and was buried with full military honors for his service in World War II. If I can be just half the father to my own kids that he was to me, I think I’ll be the second-best dad in the history of the world.