THE PUBLIC MIND: FARM FAMILY DOESN'T WANT TO BE ANNEXED INTO CITY OF JACKSON

To the voters of the city of Jackson:

We are wondering if the city residents of Jackson know that the city officials spent over two hours in circuit court on June 29, 1990 trying to convince the judge that the city of Jackson could service our area. The city taxpayers should know that ten city employees, two city attorneys, and the mayor were there. We assume this was at the taxpayers' expense. While we spent the afternoon in court, our farming operation stood still. We received no pay for appearing in court.

The city attorney said the savings on our annual residential fire insurance premiums will more than offset the property tax assessment. Our insurance agent said our premiums would be reduced about $10 a year if we were annexed. We are wondering if the city attorney would like to pay the balance of city tax on our farm operation that the reduced fire rate won't cover, if we are annexed.

While on the court stand, I asked Mayor Meyer why he wanted farm land in the city limits. His answer was that at one time all city property was farm land. We agree with this. But we ask you, how many farmers did the city take to court to get the farm land into the city? When the time comes that we no longer want to farm, and we willingly want to be developed for city purposes, I'm sure the city will gladly annex us.

As for the present time, we produce food for the consumer and plan to continue to do so. Let those who wish to remain out of the city alone until the time comes when they wish to be annexed. Is it justice that 6,000 people can get their vote counted with 18 registered residents who live in the area to be annexed? At the last election, 17 of the 18 eligible voters voted against being annexed. That tells you how we feel about being annexed. We are asking for your support to vote against the annexation.

Bob and Gladys Nitsch

Jackson