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New annexation map rolled out

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ckh
Tuesday, July 24, 2012: 12:39 pm
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"most of those present at the meeting who were removed from annexation were pleased, not all of those still included were pleased". That statement speaks for itself.....WE DO NOT APPROVE OF ANNEXATION!!! Please listen to the people and make the right decision. If people were removed from what they felt was a positive plan for our city, would they not have been upset? Meeting after meeting and reduction of a map will still not persuade us that this is the correct plan for our city and our neighborhood.

turtle
Tuesday, July 24, 2012: 1:28 pm
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Wouldn't it be nice if the map that was posted on here was readable!!!!

D E Chafey
Tuesday, July 24, 2012: 5:58 pm
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I think I have been obvious that I am in favor of annexation and believe that Martinsville will remain stagnant if something is not accomplished soon. Though the Liberty Loop area with possible business opportunity will not be the savior of Martinsville, it certainly would help in that regard, but an overall evaluation of the available land and buildings must be made, and soon. Rediscover Martinsville and the City in partnership has had some success regarding economic revitalization but there is much to be done and many more partners are needed in this endeavor.
Martinsville has much to offer the business potential out there, but bickering about the fringe flood areas and constant detrimental attitude regarding the closed or closing shops must stop. We must look ahead and have the mindset that bringing in business is possible.
This is where I must implore our City Councilmen to begin pulling this bandwagon, and to pull as one team and not be controlled by personal agendas. The citizens of Martinsville deserve to be represented by their individual councilman as they were elected.
I respect our council and their willingness to look to the future with the possibility of annexation, but also implore them to look at the present condition of Martinsville and roll up their sleeves.

Doug Arthur
Tuesday, July 24, 2012: 11:10 pm
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Del,
We know each other, and respectfully we are of different opinions; not on Martinsville prospering economically, but on how to achieve those results that will progress Martinsville. Do I have all the answers? Most certainly not. I know that entirely within the City limits we have limitations. Some we can overcome some we can't. I believe that we, City Government, should work in partnership with the property owners or developers inside the City limits to bring economic life back to the empty buildings. It should be the first step in this economic low we are in now. If we can't manage what we have now, how in the world are we going to take on more and expect the miracle of miracles? Do we want to take business away from the downtown we want to revitalize so badly? Shouldn't we make sure the heart of the City is beating with commerce before we 'farm' it out to the highways? As you stated: Rediscover Martinsville and the City in partnership has had some success regarding economic revitalization ...what is that success?

Bickering? People presenting facts (on both sides mind you) of the fringe flood areas is not bickering. That is debating, and that is healthy. The fact that businesses that are closed or being closed is not a detrimental attitude; it is the pure and simple truth. If we just ignore it...it won't go away. To not try and correct it, that is detrimental. We can't bury our heads in the sand and expect to see sunshine in the darkness.

As far as pulling as one...and dropping personal agendas? I couldn't agree more. We also need to stop the personal legacies, we must drop the 'kingdom' attitude and reach out and not care what is in it for �me� but for the betterment of Martinsville as a whole. I am sick of such practices and not all personal agendas are from elected officials.

You said: The citizens of Martinsville deserve to be represented by their individual councilman as they were elected. The Citizens of Martinsville are being represented by their councilmen, very well represented by the way. I have spoken with many citizens of Martinsville, MANY. Not one, I repeat, not one, wanted to take anyone's property by force. I was at the meeting on Monday night. I sat on the stage and could see the entire crowd. I counted roughly 80 people there. When the Mayor asked those who were within the City limits to raise their hands, roughly 25 maybe 30 people did so. According to my notes 4 possibly 5 spoke against it. As the meeting lacked remonstrators, the President of the Council let the people from outside the City talk...and this was a 'Citizen only meeting'. It's easy to call from the sidelines, but it's entirely different view when you are actually in the game. I will not, and the good people of Martinsville do not want to take anyone's property by force.

outsider
Wednesday, July 25, 2012: 12:03 am
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I think each councilman should explain why the way they voted. I commend you for standing up for what you believe in and for putting up with ignorant arrogant groupies. Doug you have showed good leadership quality's you are a leader not a follower good luck.

n m p 1
Wednesday, July 25, 2012: 9:42 am
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So the city looks to keep their Golden egg the interchange at Liberty Loop Road.Now there will not be a Truck Stop on the north side of Liberty Loop because the city will control. But how will the city stop the one going in on the South side of Liberty Loop they won't control that.

ckh
Wednesday, July 25, 2012: 10:57 am
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Thank you, Doug! You have most definitely used common sense throughout this process, and we certainly do appreciate everything you have done and all of the comments you have made.

Danny Stewart
Wednesday, July 25, 2012: 11:33 am
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Now I can rest.

Doug, I bid you good luck.

jdigger
Wednesday, July 25, 2012: 2:33 pm
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It looks like the city avoided areas in the annex that could use the services like the subdivisions along old 37 water and sewer have been a issue in these areas for years. I thought that when cities made plans for annexation they took into accout what areas really needed these services. I guess not

9 comments found