The annexation scam

Posted by Daren Bakst at 5:00 PM

Just a little while ago, the House annexation committee ignored what they had voted on a few weeks ago, as expected, and voted to approve legislation that would place a moratorium on involuntary annexation, but not satellite annexation.

Let me stress: The issue isn't whether satellite annexation should be included or not — it is the fact that some legislators feel they can work behind the scenes and make changes to a bill inconsistent with what was approved in an open and democratic process.  Rep. Goforth, co-chair of the committee, admitted that the changes were discussed by the committee members behind the scenes.

Also, as I have said in the past, this committee likely will never meet again.  Today, the bipartisan committee announced that it wouldn't meet during the short session (despite previous statements to the contrary).  At best, if they actually meet after the short session, they may get in 1-2 meetings.  Minor and insignificant changes likely would be recommended yet they would be touted as major reforms.

Here's how it almost certainly will play out:

- Recommended moratorium bill goes nowhere in the short session.  Even if by chance it passes the House, it won't pass the Senate.

- The committee will not meet again and they will use the fact that the moratorium bill didn't pass as the reason for not meeting (other excuses include elections, time constraints, etc)

Thus will end the "work" done by this committee.  One more scam will have been played on North Carolinians by legislators from both parties.

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