Annexation without Representation

According to Wake LP Chair, Fernie Williams, there was standing room only at the public hearing on annexation Wednesday, with more than 300 attending this meeting in Raleigh. A major concern voiced at this hearing was that the people living in communities targeted for annexation have no choice.

Most of the speakers at this hearing were there to oppose NC's annexation laws. For many, the main problem is the burden of additional taxes that the cities impose when they annex their property. Larry Wright, a speaker at this hearing, summed it up:

It is all about money: they want it; we have some; and they take it.

Another concern is that the cities often won't annex poorer neighborhoods that would stand to benefit from city services. Unless there's money to be gained, the cities just aren't interested.

Fernie noticed that most of the pro-annexation speakers were there on behalf of cities or other organizations. He said:

The cities and their representatives believe that they are the engines of economic prosperity. But in that hunt, they are no more than the tick on a hound dog's back. It's the individuals that take the risks that really drive the economy.

Involuntary annexation is one of Michael Munger's key campaign issues. He points out that NC is one of only seven states that permit cities to annex private property without the owner's consent. From his website:

As Governor, I would work to persuade the General Assembly to pass legislation to curb this assault on freedom and property.

Law's Foes Decry Annexation Without Representation
WRAL.com, Apr. 9, 2008
Munger on Annexation
StopNCAnnexation

Related posts:
Good News on Annexation? (4-24-2008)
Resisting Annexation in Wake County (5-5-2008)