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Monday, November 17, 2008
Why No Home Rule in Alabama?
Alabama is one of thirteen states to deny home rule to its counties; it is one of only two states to deny home rule to its municipalities, the other being Vermont. Our recent non-scientific poll garnered 60% of the votes in favor of home rule, with 25% opposed, and 15% having no opinion.
Our current state constitution prohibits towns and counties from much self-government. This can be changed only by a special amendment or a new constitution. The two major objections to home rule over the years have been taxing and zoning. Cities already have the right to tax, and with the majority of voters living in incorporated towns, any new county taxes are unlikely.
When questioned, citizens usually fear county zoning regulations much more than the remote possibility of new taxes. Yet a lack of zoning often costs county residents more freedom than zoning laws themselves. If faced with an unwanted enterprise, most county citizens will choose annexation to a nearby town rather than endure a sewage treatment plant or pig farm.
Write or call your county commissioners. Fax or e-mail your state representatives. Alabama will never prosper to the fullest without home rule for its cities and counties.
What's up with this: A reader e-mailed us concerning our series on Jennifer Bragg's murder in Lexington. He finds the small town riddled with financial problems and corruption, a situation not being helped by its new mayor Bobby McGuire. The mayor's son Keith is currently under indictment for various crimes including rape. Yet, McGuire was unopposed for this position. Why?
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That's about as stupid of a post as I've ever seen! The new Mayor just took office and whatever is going on in his personal life has no bearing whatsoever on what he does for the City. And what business is it of yours and why would you even bring up something that has no connection whatsoever? Could it be because you have nothing to do in your spare time but put out information to stir up problems for other people? Get a life. If you can't find one, I'm sure there are plenty of people on here who can find one for you!
ReplyDeleteI asked Shoalanda to report on this. This is not Bobby McGuire's first term as mayor. I am concerned about our town. I'm not the only one concerned, and I hope we have more reports on this in the future. You might want to read what some people are saying on the TD forum.
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