Hamilton County Commissioner John Brooks addressed the topic of annexation at the Pachyderm Club, yesterday:
As a Hamilton County Commissioner, I realize that whether or not the City of Chattanooga annexes more territory is not an issue that I have a vote, but as a Hamilton County Commissioner whose district includes part of five different City Councilpersons’ districts, and as a citizen of the City of Chattanooga, I do feel that I am entitled to at least an opinion in regards to this annexation. [...] While I have no direct vote in regards to the annexation, I will clearly be speaking out against this, and I will do everything in my power to convince my fellow commissioners and City Council members that this is an ill-conceived and ill-timed act.
Commissioner Brooks represents District 6 in Hamilton County. He is up for re-election in 2010.
Several County Commissioners and Mayor Claude Ramsey went on record last week saying that they are opposed to the City of Chattanooga expanding its borders against a municipality's wishes. However, the Commission's vocal opposition may not be enough to stop the City from annexing parts of Hamilton County. The 2020 Urban Growth Plan provides for a comprehensive growth policy to be followed for the next 10 years. That plan was ratified by the City of Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and surrounding municipalities in 2001. Tennessee state law authorizes municipalities (like the City of Chattanooga) to 'annex territory by ordinance and referendum within the urban growth boundaries,' according to the MTAS Annexation Handbook (PDF).
David Morton
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