The following video clips relate to annexation, but I hope they provide some transparency showing how the NC House ignores the will of the people, ignores democratic principles, and is controlled by a few at the expense of the whole body.? These clips should be embarrassing and outrage all of us, regardless of ideology.
The issue that the legislators in these clips are discussing is whether an amendment should be adopted so that all members of the House can have a say on annexation reform.? The title of the annexation bill was drafted in a way so that it covers every provision in the bill (the title is more than two pages long).? By doing this, any attempt to amend the bill on the House floor would likely require a change to the title of the bill–however, the title of the bill can only be changed by a supermajority vote in the House.? As a result, this “tactic” is designed to prevent amendments from being considered on the House floor.
In this first clip from the House Judiciary II Committee, Representative Jones (D-Guilford) tries to defend opposition to the amendment by explaining that it isn’t a good idea for the other House members to have a say on annexation reform because “democracy is already chaotic enough.”
In this second clip from the House Finance Committee, several Republicans make the case in support of the amendment, while Rep. Owens (D-Camden and other counties) evades answering why restricting democracy is beneficial.? The vote on the amendment was almost completely along party lines–R’s voting in favor of the amendment, D’s voting against it, except for Rep. Faison (D-Caswell, Orange).? This clip is a bit long, but I think it is worth watching.
Note: If the Republicans were in power, maybe these same types of tactics would be used–I have no idea one way or another.? However, I do know that these tactics are reprehensible regardless of what party uses them.? I’d also stress that the annexation issue has generally not been a partisan issue–in fact, a Democrat, Senator Larry Shaw (D-Cumberland), was the first legislator this year to propose comprehensive annexation reform.
