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Rally gets hundreds out against annexation |
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Monday, 07 July 2008 |
Salem-area residents urged to oppose cities’ proposals
Hundreds of Salem-area residents voiced displeasure with a Benton annexation proposal during a community meeting at the Salem United Methodist Church on Saturday.
“This election is going to happen,” meeting organizer Bob Huie said. “We want everyone to vote no!”
Community members decided to meet after city councils in both Benton and Bryant approved controversial annexation proposals in June.
Both cities are in dispute over land south of Northlake Road, which borders the Salem community, and both claim territorial jurisdiction of the area.
Benton will hold a special annexation election Tuesday, Aug. 12, and Bryant will hold its special annexation election Tuesday, Sept. 9. If both annexation proposals pass in the two special elections, residents in the Northlake area will vote in a third election to decide whether to annex into Benton or Bryant.
Saturday, people met to discuss ways to best present their opposition to the Benton annexation proposal. Several citizens spoke about their fear of paying higher taxes and higher utility costs if they are annexed into the city of Benton. Huie opened the discussion with reasons why he opposes the possible move into the city of Benton.
“Dr. Marsha Guffey [Benton community development director] said at a meeting recently that our property insurance will decrease if we move into Benton,” Huie said. “Well, I called my insurance company and they said it will increase.”
Robert Cloud, who said he has lived on Wise Road since 1954, said one reason he objects to annexation is because Benton is “the most political city in the state.” He also said that he does not want to be forced to use Benton utilities which he believes cost higher than his present services.
“They say they won’t put Benton electricity out here, but for how long will that hold true,” Cloud said. “It may take a few years, but I bet they’ll be out here soon.
Diane Robertson of Salem suggested that if Salem becomes a part of the city of Benton, the could get more money from the state. She also said she believes the city of Benton wants to put in a wastewater treatment plant on Scott Salem Road.
“We’ll be considered a rural part of the city and I believe they can get a good amount of money out of us,” Robertson said.
“I don’t believe they’ll spend that money on us out here ... they want to spend your money to do other things. Benton wants your dollar. They say they want to help you, but really they want your dollar.”
Huie told the crowd that there are about 900 registered voters in Salem and said anyone not registered, particularly young adults over 18, need to do so by Monday, July 14. He asked that those in attendance go door-to-door and get people to register.
Scott Hunter of Benton told the crowd that although he does not live in Salem, he wants to help the community. He suggested the community get better organized and make appearances at Benton City Council meetings to let their voices be heard.
“I don’t want you guys to think that you are alone here,” Hunter said.
“There are plenty of people in Benton that understand and feel what you guys are saying. I live in Benton, but I made that choice. I wasn’t forced to live there and I don’t feel like you should have to be forced either. Don’t feel like this is Benton citizens against you.”
Salem Assistant Fire Chief Mike Moravec ans-wered several questions from the audience about what would happen to the department if residents are annexed into Benton.
Several people suggested that if they are annexed into Benton, the city will build a new fire station in Benton. However, several residents said they opposed that idea, saying the community of Salem paid for the Salem Fire Department.
“We’ll continue to cover our area as long as we are allowed,” Moravec said.
“I’ve known Benton Fire Chief Ben Blankenship for a long time and he is straight-laced guy. If he says they’ll build a fire station out here, they’ll probably do it.”
Moravec said he doesn’t believe the city of Benton can take away Salem’s fire equipment if the area is annexed into the city, but they could have to move it to a different location. He said the actual fire department building belongs to Salem.
“It won’t be a case of them locking the building up on day one if we are annexed,” Moravec said.
“It would be at least 6 to 8 months.
“Benton also said they are fielding most of the calls out here already, but I haven’t seen the documentation to prove all that yet. Another tactic Benton is using to show favor to the annexation is by stating that we have small manpower here at the station. That is a problem with all volunteer departments all over unfortunately, but we have 18 people on staff here and we’ll keep serving our area for as long as we can.”
Ann Clemmer, a Salem resident and Republican candidate for the Arkansas House, agreed to head up a media committee to run advertisements opposing the annexation with radio stations and the Courier.
Larry Szurgot and Jerry Plant passed out hundreds of signs opposing the Benton annexation and asked residents to place the signs “up and down Salem Road.”
Details about the proposed annexation areas in Benton and Bryant may be found, along with a master street plan, at www.cityofbryant.org.
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Razorbacks
