County Commission District 7 candidate Perry Perkins stated Thursday that he is against forced annexation in Hamilton County and would support state-level measures to put any future annexations to a vote.
Mr. Perkins said, "I support Rep. Mike Carter and Senator Bo Watson's efforts to bring a bill to the state legislature stopping forced annexation. If elected, I would work with state legislators to ensure that citizens can vote on any future annexation."
Mr. Perkins said he encourages every concerned citizen to write a letter to their state legislators. "This is a state-level issue," he said. He said he would also support an extension of the moratorium on annexation until 2015. The current moratorium set by the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations expires in May 2014.
The candidate said, “Annexation may still be an issue in parts of District 7, and if elected I will work with constituents to protect their interests. My focus for District 7 is a larger picture – how are we going to provide an excellent education for our children, grow jobs everywhere in the county, and ensure that our residents are safe? As I have walked through the district and talked with those who live in this community, I have learned that in addition to annexation there are other equally important issues that need to be addressed.”
Mr. Perkins also said, “Home safety is high on my list of priorities, considering my years in law enforcement and education. The recent wave of crime in Chattanooga, including in East Brainerd and other District 7 neighborhoods, shows the need for giving law enforcement all the resources available to protect our citizens and their property. This is a pledge I'll make as commissioner.”