Don't ever say it can't be done. By a vote of 85 to 4 Rep. Carter this morning removed the stigma of Tennessee being rated the 4th worst state in America on property rights laws. It was done without paid lobbyist or a dollar being spent to advertise its merits. It was truly a bill passed by the people and for the people.
Mike Carter and Bo Watson removed the "by ordinance" option from Tennessee's annexation law. In the past a city had two options when they wished to reach out to bring a community into the city, either by holding a referendum or by the City Council authorizing it by only the vote of the Council. Citizen's homes and farms were subjected to an additional layer of taxes, and came under a new layer of laws, neither of which they had a voice in. Cities nearly always chose the convenient route, the ordinance method. If the annexed could not afford to pay the additional layer of taxes in time they could eventually lose their home or farm.
The Citizen Legislative system still works. When the citizens are made aware and unite to speak out against a wrong, the cause is just and the legislators have their hearts in the effort, a giant can be slain. All these came into play in this effort. A wrong was brought to light, concerned citizens rallied to preserve their rights and two statesmen, Mike Carter and Bo Watson put their careers on the line to correct the problem. It worked.
Don't ever let anyone make you believe it can't be done. When confronted by a giant just put together a pocketful of rocks and take your stand.
Bobby Wood
Harrison
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The Phil Smartt Campaign for County Commission, District 7 would like to issue an official thank you to Mike Carter, Bo Watson and the rest of the delegation that passed the law today ending forced annexation for the citizens of our great state.
Mike Carter has fought this battle long and hard and we are lucky to have him as our representative. He is truly a politician for the people. It is a great victory for the state of Tennessee.
Deseret Ward