Archived News

First, I find it very hard to believe that the MWNA has ignored or not addressed No2decatur’s formal complaint. The individuals who make up the MWNA and its associated volunteers, based upon my perception of recent events, have done nothing but bend over backwards to answer, accommodate, and address all complaints and concerns, whether formal and informal. I think people often lose sight of the fact that these individuals are volunteers, not employees of the neighborhood. They all have jobs, families, and lives way from the MWNA, so sometimes things cannot be addressed as promptly as some would like. Also, it is often overlooked that in order to obtain accurate or correct information or investigate further, other individuals, groups, or entities must be questioned or consulted. If they do not respond promptly, neither can the Association.
Second, the Annexation Information Committee is comprised solely of volunteers. No particular demographic was sought out. If no other demographics are represented, it is because no one was willing to step up and volunteer, commit to the time and to the ability to remain neutral. Members of the Annexation Information Committee, both those who were in favor of annexation and those against, stepped down from their positions because of their inability to remain neutral. The key is the ability to remain neutral and I would have serious doubts as to someone’s ability to remain neutral, collect and present neutral data who has already voiced their opinion, whatever it may be.
I do not know of any member of the MWNA who has definitively said that someone against annexation cannot be on the Information Committee. Based upon the last meeting, the issue of whether a neighbor who is vocally in favor or opposed to annexation could be on the Annexation Information Committee was tabled, by vote of the neighbors present, until a later meeting due to time constraints and other issues on the agenda. No objection was raised.
Third, the power point presentation was not filled with inaccuracies. Based upon response #3, you likely thought the power point presentation was bad because there were actual facts and data that supported annexation, particularly, information that favored the senior citizens of the neighborhood, specially, that senior citizens can receive compounding tax exemptions (as opposed to DeKalb which one grants the one most beneficial), which likely lower their taxes, perhaps to an amount even lower than that they currently pay in DeKalb. The data that was presented was compiled based upon research and contacting with the City of Decatur and DeKalb County, which citations and specific references to the resources used. Neither No2decatur nor anyone in opposition to annexation have provided citations to resources when providing their statistics which raises serious questions about the source of information, completeness of said information, the truthfulness thereof, and unbiased nature. No one tried to hide anything. As much information as could be provided in that amount of time was disseminated and even more was included on the power point slides, which were posted on the neighborhood website for continued access. Peggy Merriss clarified the tax freeze issue, noting that the shift in the percentage to remain frozen was due to shift in the percentage of taxes that go to the schools. Those amounts are different for City of Decatur and DeKalb. If that is the only inaccuracy that you can point to, I say that one clarification, not correction, is not bad considering that amount of information that was provided.
Fourth, the accusation that the Board has not reached out to anyone who does not look like them, I believe is totally unfounded. What basis do you have for this? Likely none, other than your own personal opinion. Our neighborhood is incredibly diverse which is part of what makes it such wonderful and interesting place to live. To insinuate that the MWNA, the Board, or anyone else involved, on either side of the annexation line is discriminating against anyone is disgraceful. Such accusations, no matter how thinly over heavily veiled, are uncalled for and have lasting repercussions, even when untrue, as is the case here. I am curious what demographics No2decautr is targeting other than senior citizens and individuals without children.
Lastly, the Board, MWNA, and the volunteers associated there with have talked to the entire neighborhood, through several unbiased venues. Monthly meetings are held where anyone may attend and bring a matter to the floor. The first annexation meeting was conducted more in a town hall style to allow people to speak their minds, voice concerns, and ask questions. A vote as to whether those present were in favor or opposed to annexation was held. A survey was put out to the entire neighborhood, both online and in paper form, to allow neighbors to rank their concerns for the neighborhood, whether it be taxes, property value, crime, schools, sidewalks, etc. Another survey is being conduct to determine whether neighbors want annexation. It expressly states, “this is not a petition.” It is being conducted in a neutral manner and is trying to glean as much information as possible so that the voices of all, young, old, parents, grandparents, and those with no children alike. There is no basis to say that one group is being targeted or excluded. The entire neighborhood is being canvassed for this information. I think the MWNA is doing the best that it can to gather as much information from every neighbor in a neutral and fair manner, and it is on this basis that the MWNA can speak for everyone. If a neighbor elects not to respond, that is their prerogative and right. The MWNA and the Board, I believe, strive to listen to each and every neighbor and represent everyone in the best manner possible.