Forcible Annexation

Finding middle ground in forced annexation
Cecil Bothwell | Asheville Citizen-Times | Oct 11, 2010

But given council’s endorsement of tax abatement, my middle-ground proposal is that if we choose to annex Royal Pines (or similar neighborhoods), we ought to grant a five-year deferment on city taxes when it helps preserve affordability. This accomplishes the long-term goal of fairness to current city residents by expanding the tax base and the short-term goal of permitting newly annexed citizens to adapt to their new status. It won’t make everyone happy, but it just might be reasonable and fair.

Mr. Bothwell’s Middle Ground Solution: “We will forcibly appropriate your property against your will now. But we won’t steal your money until later. OK? It will give you time to ‘adapt’ (read: sell to someone richer and move away)”

The Asheville Tea Party stands firmly in support of the property rights of individuals. Involuntary annexation is an outright violation of individual rights because it deprives property owners of the ability to use their own judgment regarding the use and disposal of their property.

If a community of property owners chooses not to become a part of a municipality, we feel it is their right to remain apart until such time as they are persuaded by sound reasons to join a municipality voluntarily.

Annexation can be of mutual benefit to both property owners and municipalities, but it should effected voluntarily through rational persuasion rather than brute force.

It is for these reasons that Asheville Tea Party is opposed to the unfortunate practice of forced annexation in the state of North Carolina.

PROTEST RALLY: Tuesday, October 12th at 4:30 PM outside of Asheville City Hall. Residents and candidates will speak.

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