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On September 28th, 2006, calls were made to all Candidates and Incumbents of both mainstream parties. Independent candidates are more than welcome to share their views. A statement is being requested from each nominee regarding the issue of forced, or involuntary, annexation. The stances of each nominee will appear on this page, be it in video, audio, or written response.
The DEADLINE for posting a RESPONSE is
Friday,
November 3rd.
Tennessee is one of only 4 states in the United States that allows for involuntary annexation of properties by municipalities. North Carolina, Tennessee, Idaho and Kansas are the only states where annexation without the property owner's consent is permitted.
We are simply asking all candidates for a statement on their position on this issue: forced annexation. Annexation by request, or annexation of plots/parcels of land is not our issue. We are talking about people living beyond city limits, in old, established neighborhoods who have chosen to live a lifestyle on property they have worked hard for, or inherited, and choose not to have the taxes for the services (and in our case, lack of sewer) that a municipality forces upon county citizens without any vote or representation by the annexing body. In our cases, we will have to resort to litigation, which costs everybody: we, the litigants; the defendant (City of Murfreesboro); and the citizens of the City of Murfreesboro, whose taxes will pay for the defense of us being forcibly annexed against our wishes.
We already have several candidates, both incumbent and challenging, who have given brief audio, video, or written statements on this issue. All candidates will have their record on the website www.DoNotAnnexUs.com, FOR or AGAINST the concept and belief that it is inherently acceptable for a municipality to forcibly annex residents against their will as long as the annexed area does not fall into the 2 categories set forth by the State of Tennessee for a just reason to be annexed:
either (1) the annexation ordinance is unreasonable for the overall well-being of the communities involved; or (2) The health, safety, and welfare of the citizens and property owners of the municipality and territory will not be materially retarded in the absence of such annexation. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 6-58-111]
I will in no way alter, abridge, edit, or misuse any video, audio, or written statement from any candidate.
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