Here is my observation of last night’s forced annexation hearing:
It
didn’t start out well when Rep. Luebke, who presided over the hearing,
praised forced annexation and at a minimum implied that forced
annexation was off the table.
Call me crazy, but it is kind of
tough to have meaningful annexation reform when forced annexation is
off the table. Right now, my fears that a study bill was
the worst possible option appears to be on target. I hope that
I’m proven wrong. Of course, there may not even be a study bill,
so it could be a moot point.
The audience was very respectful and calm during the hearing. The forced annexation opponents made some very good points.
Unlike what I think should have happened, the League had several
people provide comments–there also were some mayors and city
planners. Apparently, the League felt its taxpayer
purchased power at the legislature could not withstand citizens telling
legislators the truth. As a result, they had to try and get as
many speakers as possible.
Others supporting forced annexation
include the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce, the Raleigh Chamber of
Commerce (I guess I’m not joining now), and I think one or two other
chambers.
I’m happy that citizens had a chance to be heard on the
issue of forced annexation. I just hope the legislators won’t let
them down.
