Fresno County supervisors took a hard stand against Proposition 98 -- the eminent domain issue on the June 3 ballot.

County supervisors said Tuesday they will give the “No on 98" campaign authority to use their names in campaign materials. They join a growing list of elected officials opposed to the proposition, including Gov. Schwarzenegger, Valley Rep. George Radanovich, R-Mariposa and former Gov. Pete Wilson.

The supervisors said water and rent control are two main reasons why people should vote against 98.

Supervisor Phil Larson said the measure could “put restrictions on water storage projects, which is so important here in the Valley.” Board Chairman Henry Perea said buried in the ballot language is the ability to eliminate rent controls.

“It’s not good for our senior citizens,” Perea said. “People on fixed incomes need to have predictability in their rent.”

The measure is backed by the California Farm Bureau Federation. It would prohibit governments from seizing property, including farmland, for private use.

But other farm groups oppose the measure and fear it would block eminent domain for construction of dams, pipes and canals needed to store water.

Manuel Cunha Jr., president of the Fresno-based Nisei Farmers League, said because Fresno County is the No. 1 ag county in the nation, it needs to protect its water.

“I hope it fails dramatically,” he said.

But former county supervisor and mayoral candidate Doug Vagim asked the supervisors to reconsider their position. He said the proposition stops government agencies from having the power to take land away from private citizens.

“98 protects the private property owner,” he said. “Why you guys would oppose the private property owner, I don’t understand.”