Citizen supports change in government
Bill Heller, who frequently comments on articles published in CenterGroveInc.org took the time to write a full length article. We present it here without editing or comment. We trust that the headline represents what you are about to read…
Some people seem focused on “what’s in it for me”, and rightfully so. The comments seem to be about control by Greenwood and taxes, which is understandable. However, it is important for residents of White River Township (WRT) to understand how we got here in the first place and to consider what the annexation means in terms of resident control of WRT, not Greenwood City.
Think back a couple years. Walmart proposed building a Super Center at the intersection of Olive Branch and SR 135. They were serious about this as first Walmart tried to work through the County Commissioner process, then when beaten there to turn to the City of Greenwood via an annexation process. Failing effort #2, they then tried #3 with Greenwood again via attempting to convince a developer who had a partially completed a condo development along Smith Valley Rd. to “sell out” the residents who had bought early into the development and believed it would be built as promised. Wal-Mart wanted the developer to walk away from his commitments and sell them the yet undeveloped land so as to combine it with land next to Home Depot so the Super Store could be placed within city limits which would avoid the annexation process.
All these plans were defeated. Why? Because resident sub-divisions closest to the proposed store banded together, paid into a pooled resources fund, hired an attorney and fought tooth and nail.
Why did those residents (I was one) have to do that? The simple answer is that the Johnson County Commissioners had already violated their own Comprehensive Plan of land use by permitting the development of Target, and the shopping center just North of Target. These acts of malfeasance opened the door to Walmart …”those rubes will approve anything!”
Why was this a problem to the residents of WRT? Because of three County Commissioners, only one was elected by WRT. So unless a huge opposition effort was undertaken the other two would have voted for Walmart because of perceived tax benefits, and the store would be there today … at the intersection a two 2-lane roads with thousands of cars per day added to SR 135 traffic for all WRT residents to enjoy.
Fortunately the stink of Johnson County Land Use Plan violations was so evident, that the Commissioners voted against it and the battle shifted to Greenwood City Council. The battle in the County certainly tainted the next annexation proposal, and the developer “sell-out” of the third battle also summoned up ethical outrage.
The real problem is one of political representation and leverage. In the case of the County, a large population is represented by just one Commissioner. In the case of the City of Greenwood, a large population is represented by no one.
So the lesson in this is that if you want to have any control of your destiny as a homeowner or business owner, you must become a member of some political entity. The reorganization plan offers the opportunity to join with a city (Greenwood) that has already protected your interests, and will provide you the opportunity to influence and shape further development in WRT (and let’s face it, development is the key to maintaining and improving property values). All you have to do is be a good citizen and vote, and pay attention. Is the reorganization plan perfect? No. But don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. The reorganization is what will protect your interests, without it you are just a leaf in the wind.
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