Odell Residents Are Wise Not To Trust Kannapolis

(The following is based on an article, written by Ronnie Glassberg, that appeared in the Cabarrus Neighbors section of the Charlotte Observer on Sunday, May 15 2005)

The Odell community is a hornet's nest of rebellion over the threat of forced annexation by the City of Kannapolis. State Senator Flecther Hartsell certainly "stirred up the nest" when he introduced a bill that would allow Kannapolis to further encroach upon residents in the northwest portion of the county. The article stated that Hartsell introduced the bill because Kannapolis asked him to but he hasn't taken a position on the issue. Hmm, let's see, how many legislators introduce bills before they decide whether it is a good idea or not? Sounds like politics as usual.

Also within the article, Kannapolis City Manager Mike Legg said the city had no plans for involuntary annexation in northwest Cabarrus. Regarding forced annexation, Mr. Legg was quoted as saying, "It's what has made cities healthy in North Carolina". Gee Mr. Legg, I consider the usurpation of property rights and the "consent of the governed" to be quite unhealthy.

The citizens of Cabarrus County need to send a strong message to Raleigh! Just say no to forced annexation. The state law allowing forced annexation needs to be removed. We need to send representatives to Raleigh that will defend the rights of individual citizens.

The residents of Odell have every right to organize their own voluntary political association. Municipalities do not have the "right" to expand their corporate limits. Cities and towns have no rights at all. Because our rights are gifts from our Creator, only individuals can have rights.

I admire the folks in Odell for standing up for their's.