| Statement to the Legislative Public Hearing on Forced Annexation from Brian Irving |
Libertarians Urge Legislature To End Forced AnnexationStatement Prepared for the House Rules Committee Hearing on HB 86 June 13RALEIGH (June 13) — The Libertarian Party of North Carolina opposes HB86, Study Municipal Annexation. This bill, frankly, a sham, an excuse for legislators to do nothing to end a violation of basic individual rights. And it will be a waste of taxpayer money. First, let's use straight language, not politically correct idioms:
This issue has been studied thoroughly. Dozens of bills have been introduced in the legislature in the last few sessions; there are currently 24 bills languishing in committee. Legislators already have all the facts. It's time to act. They don't need to study why we should stop forcing people to become part of municipalities against their will. You need to end this egregious violation of individual rights now. The principle of self-government, the foundation of the American Republic, presupposes people have a right to choose whether or not they want a particular government in the first place. Under the principle of self-government, the benefits of annexation are best determined by the residents of a community. Forced annexation violates this basic tenet of our Republic. Communities should only be annexed with their consent, given in a referendum, held in the same manner as a regularly scheduled election, so as minimize costs and encourage maximum voter participation. Moreover, when an area is annexed, it should immediately receive full city services, including sewer and sanitation services. Residents should not be assessed or required to pay property taxes until they receive these full city services. The Libertarian Party urges legislators to stop this charade and act to end forced annexation in North Carolina now. -30- |