Forced Annexation
I am 100% against forced annexation. It just doesn’t make sense....and it certainly is not going to make dollars either. The residence of the surrounding area of Goldsboro, did not buy or build their houses with the intention of becoming Goldsboro city residence. No one seems to know who brought this idea up first and it seems that no one wants to admit it.
It was often foolishly stated, without thinking, "If it doesn’t grow, it will die". It was not taken into consideration that if you force feed something it will also die, or at least have unsightly stretch marks and become disfigured. Goldsboro needs to grow gracefully, from within as well as from without.
If we had our priorities in check, the surrounding areas would be begging us to annex them on a Voluntary basis. We have virtually nothing to offer them, that they don't already have. Except to extort some of their money.
Now not too long ago, Goldsboro was biting it’s nails as it awaited to hear the decision of the Base Closing Commission. Had Seymour Johnson Air Force Base been slated for realignment we would have been a ghost town in no time.
Our livelihood depends on the Air Force Base. We need to have a backup plan, a second income, and Forced Annexation is NOT the answer. The city of Goldsboro, like many other municipalities, is strapped for money and struggles to provide services to current residents. If this proposed annexation passes, the city has to issue bonds of close to seven million dollars ($7,000,000), to install services, in this case primarily sewer. The expected pay off period for these bonds is 35 years, close to one half a life time. Taxes collected from the area will not cover operating cost.
In essence the city (council) is creating debt on top of debt and further impacting an already over tasked service infra structure.
We can have a Civic Center that won’t disrupt the lives of 1,100 plus law abiding, peaceful citizens in another community. There are also other viable options, one of which is to entice new businesses and industry to develop in our area.
I once heard the definition of a law suit. It’s 2 people pulling opposite ends of a cow, claiming it’s theirs, and the lawyers are in the middle milking it. Right now this issue is costing the average taxpayers of the city thousands of dollars in legal fees. It is mainly benefitting the city’s law firm which is more than willing to continue the case ad infinitum about the time BRAC (Base Realignment and Closing) was underway and everyone thought that Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Goldsboro's prime source of income may be a candidate for closing,
Some genius came up with a bright idea. ‘‘Let's find a way to make a lot of money real fast to keep Goldsboro going if we lose Seymour Johnson". A dusty plan, put on a back burner way back in 2000 or so, was resurrected and instituted. It was an annexation plan to increase the tax base for Goldsboro. It was decided that a large amount of revenue could be raised if Goldsboro annexed some neighboring communities and it was voted to annex property on the east and west sides of Salem Church road and on the north and south sides of Buck Swamp Road. Some subdivisions, or parts of subdivisions, have been included. They are Ashby Hills, Fallingbrook Estates, Morgan Trace, Buck Run, Pineview Acres, Tarklin Acres and Canterbury Village. This is known as Phase XI.
These areas had some choice real estate. In addition to prime property, the area had attempted to incorporate and start their own town earlier. They were unsuccessful in their first attempt but it was feared they may resubmit the incorporation plan in the near future. So it was decided that "Northbrook" was a threat and should be the first to be eliminated.
A forced Annexation plan was set in motion, and legal battles to this day are causing the taxpayers of Goldsboro (you and me) to bear the cost. These people are not to be underestimated. There is power in numbers, they have fought a gallant battle and don't intend to surrender.
There are an estimated 1,100 lives in the balance. If Goldsboro is successful, it will add 1,100 unwilling citizens to it tax base. There has been some discussion about a Boycott of The Entire City of Goldsboro, not just by the targeted victims, but by all others surrounding Goldsboro, that will eventually fall prey to the city's greed. This would be a "sympathy strike" of sorts. It is based on the philosophy of the domino theory, as is best described in the following maxim:
"First They Came for the Jews
First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me."
.......................................... Pastor Martin Niemöller
Can you imagine the full impact of a boycott on our city? People going to neighboring towns to shop and eat, canceling the services they have with Goldsboro based businesses? Insurance agencies, grocery stores, gas stations, supply stores and business owners all losing good customers and revenue? This, in full force, over an extended period of time, could cause job loss and a rise in local unemployment, even some rental loss as businesses close their doors and employees move on to find work in other counties. .........it won't be a pretty picture!
Hopefully, Good Neighbors United (G.N.U.) will eventually find favor in the courts, or Goldsboro City Council will have a change of heart and cut their losses and drop the silly notion of "Theft by Invasion". If Forced Annexation prevails, the city council will have 1,100 new citizens with an attitude going to the polls next election. I would suggest a slightly different approach, using their 'Power in Numbers' , which is explained in the "How You Can Help" section of this website.
If Goldsboro prevails, anyone living within a 2 mile radius, should prepare to be it's next victim. Phase XII is already on the chopping block, which "...encompasses the Cedar Lake, Marsh Landing, Buck Run, Tarklin Acres, North Creek, Land Tree Village, North Point, Canterbury Village and Pineview Acres subdivisions. The annexation, which would become effective June 30, 2009, would affect about 2,400 people, 800 houses and 900 acres of land". Goldsboro looks at next annexation that relies on Phase XI being decided in favor of the city and used as a stepping stone. This has not happened yet, and if it doesn't prevail, a lot of money will have been wasted preparing to gulp up Phase XII.
With the current mentality now serving on the city council, I would predict the next prime victim would be Rosewood. Why? Because Rosewood is a solid community and is rapidly developing. A new Wal-Mart Super store is being built and sooner or later, Rosewood will want to incorporate. This would be a threat to Goldsboro, because then there would be a limitation on Goldsboro expanding any further west.
06/29/05
Most speak against city annexation
click the title to see the whole story
BOLD added for emphasis
Annexation opponents accused the Goldsboro City Council Tuesday night of wanting to collect their tax dollars to patch problems in poorer, inner-city neighborhoods. "They are wanting our tax money to revive what has been destroyed in this city," said Susan Mintz, of Plantation Road, to enthusiastic applause. "You should take the money you've got and work on building back what you've lost."
Real estate agent Judith McMillen said homebuyers are fleeing the city because of concerns about crime and schools. Annexation would stretch the Police Department even further, she said. And James Vernon Felts, of Hines Run Drive, said he had been shocked by the apathy of Goldsboro taxpayers, ... The atmosphere was tense most of the night. One person's sign mocked Councilman Chuck Allen's late payment of his county property taxes this year, and three speakers also mentioned it. After Neal Stitt, who spoke for the annexation, called Goldsboro "the City of Friendly People," one audience member shouted out, "What city are you living in?" That was too much for King, who asked police officers to keep a closer eye on the crowd. "The first person who speaks out in a rude manner, I want them out of here," he said. But Ms. Mintz, the next speaker, told King, "The only person being rude here is you, Mayor." She went on to call the mayor "racist" for allowing Stitt, another African-American, to speak while stifling the mostly white neighbors.
Former city manager Richard Slozak testified in court last year that the main reason for the annexation was trying to bring in as much tax revenues as possible, he said. "Areas that do not meet the 'bang for the buck' criteria established by the city are left out."
The city would gain more state revenues if it increased its population, but some of that money would come from Wayne County's funding, he said. "Robbing Peter to pay Paul doesn't make sense, especially when the county has to make up for that lost revenue by increasing taxes." Bob Pleasants of Plantation Road presented a statement opposing the annexation, which was signed by 996 people.
Pleasants said he opposes the annexation mostly for the secretive way the city has conducted it. It's wrong also for a small group of people like the City Council to dictate to a larger group that didn't vote for them, he said. "That's simply immoral and un-American."
05/16/07
As a candidate for Mayor, I attended the first Neighborhood Meeting of this year held at the Harding Street YMCA soccer field. The article stated that Assistant City Manager, Tasha Logan said: "I would imagine we're going to hear some issues about drainage," she said. "Other than that, I really don't know." Residents share thoughts about needs in their neighborhoods. A lady also shared her thoughts about annexation, she said that Mimosa Park was annexed in 1992 and with the exception of Police and Fire protection, she asked when Mimosa Park would receive the other benefits that the rest of the city got?
I approached her after she left the mike and answered her question for her. "After 15 years of being annexed into Goldsboro", I told her, 'not to hold her breath, because she might turn into a SMURF.' I also told her to go and tell the residence of Northbrook what they have to look forward to if the city brings them into the city limits by Force Annexation.' I also asked her what she thought was more important to the current city council Stoney Creek Park or Mimosa Park....(It's a No Brainer)
By Ms Logan's statement (prediction) about drainage problems, goes to show that the city already knew about this before the meeting. It's not like this is a newly discovered issue, it has been around for some time. But at least the lady got a couple of slices of Pizza in her belly to go with that warm fuzzy feeling of being able to tell them about the problem.
06/10/07
Sheriff concerned about covering city annexed property
Just because it is Legal, does not mean it is Right!
Prostitution is legal In Nevada ~ but it is not moral !
Slavery and Human Trafficking is still legal in many parts of the world ~ but it is wrong !
Forced Annexation is legal in North Carolina ~ but that definitely does not make it right !
"Northbrook", when de-annexed, needs to immediately incorporate (as well as Rosewood) because if the same regime remain in power, Annexation will rear it's ugly head again in the next few years. This time the city council will know who signed the petitions and who didn't. The lines will be drawn around an area of least resistance and they will be taken into the city limits. After that, more smaller areas will be a target until the city wins.
Stuart will seek to permanently block any Forced Annexation by the City of Goldsboro for his and future councils.
De-annexation petition count set for Tuesday
This coming week will be an eventful one for those with interest in Goldsboro's Phase 11 annexation.
A decision on a lawsuit filed by a handful of municipalities against the state's deannexation reform law, and the petition count ordered because of that law are scheduled.
The Board of Elections will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the Parker Memorial Board Room at the county offices on South William Street to count the returned petitions for the Phase 11 de-annexation.
A state law enacted last summer that reforms the manner by which municipalities can annex areas also allows for the deannexation of the city's Phase 11 area -- encompassing the Salem Church and Buck Swamp roads neighborhoods -- by the same requirement that an area can deny a city its annexation -- through a 60 percent return of petitions mailed to all property owners.
The petitions are due back to the board by Monday.
After a 10-day review period, the Board of Elections will then notify the city of the outcome of the petition drive, meaning the Phase 11 area could no longer be a part of Goldsboro during the first week of April.
The law has not gone unchallenged, however, as the cities that stand to lose land area and taxpayers have issued a legal challenge against the state, its board of elections and the boards of elections of each of the counties that are involved.
A decision on the lawsuit is expected soon as the case is on the March 26 to 30 docket at the Wake County Courthouse.
Court rejects deannexation
A petition count scheduled this morning to determine the fate of Goldsboro's annexed Phase 11 area was delayed after the county Board of Elections was advised that proceeding could be considered unconstitutional, even as those seeking deannexation promised to continue to fight.
A ruling by Wake County Superior Court Judge Shannon Joseph late yesterday afternoon deemed the state law enacted last summer, which allowed the retroactive deannexation of the Buck Swamp and Salem Church roads areas, as unconstitutional.
In their lawsuit, the municipalities contended that legislation had based "the right to vote on property ownership" and that it denied "all other city and annexation area residents the fundamental right to vote."
County Attorney Borden Parker said after the meeting that while the ruling had been issued, an order had not yet been drawn up, but that judges almost always allow the prevailing party's attorney to write those.
As of press time, the order had not been received by the Wake County Clerk of Court to be processed, but Parker cited an email during the board's meeting from a deputy clerk indicating the ruling had been issued.
However, state Rep. Stephen LaRoque, one of the bill's primary sponsors, said Tuesday morning that this ruling would not be the end of the fight.
"This will be appealed," he said. "There is a disconnect or confusion with the judge over what is a vote and what is a protest petition. A protest petition is not a vote, and the judge ruled that it was."
He also said that he was in the courtroom Monday and said he was extremely disappointed in the result, and especially in state attorney Faison Hicks' handling of the case.
"He was probably the most unprepared attorney that I've ever seen in a courtroom," LaRoque said, noting that even he twice referred to the protest petitions as votes. "It makes me believe that either he is completely incompetent or that he intentionally sandbagged the hearing. I'm not sure which.
"The attorney general (Roy Cooper) is a large supporter of the League of Municipalities, and if that's the case, I think we've got some real issues with the attorney general and his office."
He also said that he believes there was a conflict of interest with Mrs. Joseph's role as the presiding judge. He explained that Mrs. Joseph is the wife of Ripley Rand, the son of former long-time state senator Tony Rand, who long fought against annexation reform. Additionally, LaRoque added, Ripley Rand was the Wake County Superior Court judge who ruled in favor of the city of Goldsboro when the petitioners from the Buck Swamp and Falling Brook communities were originally fighting their annexation.
"One of the things we're looking into is whether that was a conflict of interest," LaRoque said.
Still, with the future of the law -- and of the deannexations it involved -- now uncertain, the board of elections voted to delay the petition count until something changes either in the court's ruling or state law to allow it.
The state has 30 days during which an appeal can be filed.
LaRoque also promised that as soon as the General Assembly reconvened for its short session on May 16 that he would be introducing legislation to make sure the areas affected by this ruling are deannexed.
"I'll have the legislation drafted before we go in," he said. "These annexations will never take place."
State Rep. Efton Sager, R-Wayne, also said he was upset by the outcome and concerned about the state attorney's perceived lack of effort.
"I'm very disappointed," he said. "The people who were there said it didn't look as thought the state attorneys office was well prepared for this case."
He also said the judge's connection to Tony Rand bothered him.
"Sen. Rand, as long as he was in office, always allowed the League of Municipalities to do anything wanted to and he'd support it," Sager said. "But nobody represented these people when they were annexed. They had nobody to help them stave off something they did not want. We will certainly be taking some sort of action in the short session."
Affected by the ruling are annexation attempts in Goldsboro, Kinston, Lexington, Wilmington, Fayetteville.
The petitions, which the Board has been receiving since November, came as part of a state law allowing areas being annexed by municipalities to resist, should 60 percent of petitions be returned to the respective county board of elections indicating residents did not want to be annexed. Several local laws, including one concerning Goldsboro, were combined into the annexation reform law. Goldsboro's Phase 11 was annexed in 2008 after a four-year legal battle.
According to the Wayne County Board of Elections website, 75.46 percent of petitions had been returned as of Monday.
