OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman, and Rep. Jared Deck, D-Norman, released the following statements regarding a Norman councilmember’s request to discuss the potential de-annexation of Norman property east of 60th Avenue. “We can’t allow extreme proposals like this to silence East Norman,” said Menz. “Our concerns may be inconvenient for corporatists who will stop at nothing to replace homes and farms with toll roads and strip malls, but taking away our municipal votes and surrendering Norman’s authority over zoning and future development is not only bad business, it’s immoral. I think we should all be asking who has been behind these municipal-level ideas of late, and how do they benefit from making Norman look crazy? I realize this proposal remains under discussion, but the people of House District 45 want to make it clear right now: we will always fight for our right to representation at every level of government.” Rep. Rosecrants says this potential de-annexation could lead to economic repercussions. “Regardless of political party or geography, elected officials should protect representative government, private property rights, and taxpayers,” said Rosecrants. “Spending tax dollars to disenfranchise rural Norman residents is flat-out wrong, as de-annexing East Norman could have serious consequences for all of us: think lost economic opportunities, a smaller tax base, and potentially higher costs for everyone else. Also, attempting to save a buck by reducing Norman’s fire and police workforce only increases home insurance rates, and I don’t think anybody wants that. This proposal is obviously shortsighted, harmful, and a misuse of taxpayer resources.” Rep. Deck says this request could have real consequences. “Governing is not an academic exercise, it has real-life consequences for real people,” said Deck. “What public good comes from selling out our rural, more conservative neighbors and their public safety? The answer is ‘none.’ Just as our Council is working to restore public confidence, one councilmember goes rogue with another unserious proposal to embarrass our community. I am confident the rest of the Council will reject this lunacy and correct course.” The Norman City Council Business and Community Affairs Committee will consider the matter Thursday, Sept. 3 at 4 p.m. Currently, the agenda item is for discussion only, with no ordinance or vote scheduled. -END-
