As our Representative I will support all efforts for MEANINGFUL reform of our laws concerning Annexation, Eminent Domain and Blight.I believe that annexation reform must include at least three of the following provisions:

        A vote by the people of the affected area. A simple majority vote by the affected property owners.

        County Commission approval. As elected representatives of the people in the affected area, a vote of approval by the Commissioners in place of a vote by the people is an alternative. The people still have a voice by speaking at hearings leading up to the vote.

        A provision regarding implementation of necessary services,establishing definite timelines. The municipality must be able to provide at least one necessary service (police, fire,water,sewer, or waste collection) to the annexed area.Duplication of an existing safe, code compliant service would not sufficiently meet this requirement.

  *   Municipal responsibility for infrastructure costs for city initiated annexations.

Annexations:

        In the case of voluntary annexations requested or initiated by the homeowners, the infrastructure improvement costs  should be shared by the homeowners and the municipalities, as it is assumed that all stand to benefit from the annexation.

        I believe that for annexation to work, it must be of benefit to all parties concerned. The city will benefit from increased tax revenue and area for growth, the residents will benefit from the provision of needed services or the substantial improvement of existing services such as water, sewer, and refuse collection, fire and police protection.  The benefits to the annexed residents must represent a value to them equal to or greater than the costs that they will incur.