Should county citizens be allowed to have their voices heard when faced with possible annexation by the city?

A group of local citizens believe so.

Stop Forced Annexation is a newly formed citizens’ group in Freestone County, founded by Mark Berend and Ed O’Neill. It is working to make sure every voice is heard on the issue of annexation.

Berend is a resident of the Oak Forest addition, and O’Neill resides in the Westwood neighborhood.

Recently, the City of Fairfield has purchased the Westwood Utilities water system located on Highway 27, just west of Interstate 45. There has been much discussion on the possible annexation of the Oak Forest neighborhood, followed by some of the other areas within that system.

At a town hall meeting held in 2016, this topic was addressed, and many residents of that area were in attendance to express their feelings. The majority were very much against annexation, stating that they chose to live or buy property outside of the city limits for a reason.

The mayor and council members have assured the citizens that they are against forced annexation, but that it is vital for the growth of the city. It was explained that the city would work closely with the people of targeted areas to ensure that they receive services they need in exchange for becoming part of the city.

As cities all over the State of Texas continue to expand, forced annexation has been a hot topic.

During a special session in August 2017, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 6, which requires citizens in counties with a population of 500,000 or more to automatically have the right to vote whether an area should be annexed or not.

Counties with populations less than 500,000 can have that same right IF citizens vote in favor of allowing citizens within an affected area the right to chose whether they want to be annexed.

In order for this to happen, at least 10% of registered voters in the county must sign a petition requesting to have the matter added to the ballot during an election.

The petition is NOT saying a voter is for or against annexation, but rather that they agree citizens should have the right to vote before being annexed into city limits.

Stop Forced Annexation is attempting to obtain about 1,200 or more signatures, 10% of the nearly 12,000 registered voters in Freestone County, by the end of June in order to have this topic added to the ballot for the November 6, 2018 election.

“It’s about giving people the choice and a voice,” says O’Neill. “It’s the American way!”

Berend says, “This doesn’t mean we are anti-Fairfield, or against the city in any way. In fact, there is no other city I would want to live next to. Fairfield is a fine city and I love living here. I just want people to have a choice in what happens to them.”

He goes on to say, “The government has gotten away with so many things. We are starting to pay more attention and are trying to stay ahead of the process. The notion of restoring democracy is very important to us.”

The two explain that they see many similarities between stopping forced annexation and stopping the High-Speed Rail. They, too, want to ‘stop the land grab.’

Berend and O’Neill have spoken with Freestone County Attorney Brian Evans, Judge Linda Grant, and all four county commissioners, as well as making a statement at the March 29th meeting of Fairfield City Council, informing them all of their intentions.

According to the pair, they have received much positive feedback. “DA Evans, Judge Grant, and the commissioners were all very receptive, supportive, and understanding of our cause,” says Berend.

The group will be going door-to-door in select areas, and petition books will be located at various businesses throughout the county. They will also have an information booth with petition book at Fairfield Fest on the courthouse square on Saturday, April 21st.

Registered voters may sign books located at Something Different, Capp’s True Value, and M&W Waste Management in Fairfield. Additional locations are being added daily.

If you believe people should have the right to have their voice heard, be sure to sign the petition to add this issue to the November 6th election ballot.

And remember, this doesn’t affect only the City of Fairfield and surrounding area, but all citizens of Freestone County!

For more information, contact Mr. Berend or Mr. O’Neill at annexation18@yahoo.com