By Jessica Taloney Reporter
Published: Thu, August 21, 2008 - 6:00 pm
Last Updated: Thu, August 21, 2008 - 6:02 pm
Short URL: http://wkrg.com/a/17125/
Jessica Taloney
Two county commissioners, two school board members, five state lawmakers and Mobile County's sheriff signed a joint statement Thursday, blasting Mayor Sam Jones' proposal to add more than 4,000 residents and several rapidly growing commercial corridors to the city's roster.
"Clearly, these lines are not fair," said Sen. Ben Brooks, (R) District-35. "This manner has been brought forward is one of divisiveness," echoed Sheriff Sam Cochran.
Critics of the mayor's plan say it's a power grab for tax dollars, insisting the proposed annexation maps target voters in just a few select neighbors to decide the fate of several rapidly growing businesses, even though thousands more people will be effected by a 2% increase in sales tax.
"We want to let everyone who is shopping, who is lived, who is effected by this at least have a chance to vote," said Mobile County Commissioner Mike Dean, who represents District 3.
But, the mayor says allowing more people to vote isn't part of his plan, unless those people want to come into the city. When asked if he's admitting to drawing the lines to only include people who would vote for his proposal he said "that's logical, isn't it?"
Mayor Jones unveiled his annexation proposal last week during a meeting with the media. The proposal includes parts of the Theodore/Tillman's Corner area, a section of Moffett Road and three additional subdivisions: Windmill Place, Dominion and Wellington.
Jones expects the city council to set a date for a vote on the referendum during their August 26th meeting. The special election will only be open to voters who live in the areas on the annexation map.
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JUDYH - I KNOW!!! The only reason I would want to be added to the city is to be able to vote him OUT!!