In response to the Administration's "take it and like it" tone and actions on annexation, I've devised a set of ways you can stick it to them if things don't "go your way."
I seriously hope it doesn't come down to this folks, but you have stay two steps ahead of 'these people.' Lucky for us, its 'these people' that we're dealing with and it isn't too hard to stay out front. I've been looking over their blueprint for annexation and I see some fun ways to ensure you get your money's worth and jack with the estimates in their financial plan. Without further ado, I present "8 Ways to Stick it to the City Administration."
1. Shoot for 2 tons of trash a year.The city has estimated that as newly annexed citizens, you'll throw away a ton of garbage a year. Don't let them sell you short, folks. Double it.
2. Get rid of it.
2. Get rid of it.
Well, you can't burn it can you? Kick that mattress to the curb. Let Mayor Goodnight find a spot for that broken console TV. Maybe he can recycle it and turn it into "green energy" and power Kokomo City Hall. Ditch something big every time you are eligible.
3. Insist that any township-owned parks be transferred to the city's care for maintenance.
3. Insist that any township-owned parks be transferred to the city's care for maintenance.
Seriously. I know you don't really care who maintains, but the administration seems quick to take your taxes. They are a little hesitant about picing up all the related costs though.
4. Senior Citizens, take the bus once a day, just for kicks.
4. Senior Citizens, take the bus once a day, just for kicks.
Sure you've got 'the car', but its your civic duty to be a good citizen of Kokomo, right? Take the bus. Get to know your new neighbors. It's paid for.
5. Adopt covenants now that forbid installation of street lights using overhead wiring.
5. Adopt covenants now that forbid installation of street lights using overhead wiring.
If you don't, overhead is what you'll end up with. The financial "plan" says so. Make sure it states that the wiring has to be underground, and the lamposts have to be designer. High quality stuff, like they used on Sycamore (where the mayor lives.)
6. Make Freedom of Information Act requests at City Hall. Potential topics include:
a. Everything relating to my neighborhood
b. All interoffice e-mail correspondence involving annexation, k-fuel, Fireman contract negotiations and layoffs, etc.
c. The financial statements for the last 2 years
6. Make Freedom of Information Act requests at City Hall. Potential topics include:
a. Everything relating to my neighborhood
b. All interoffice e-mail correspondence involving annexation, k-fuel, Fireman contract negotiations and layoffs, etc.
c. The financial statements for the last 2 years
d. All maintenance records for each park .
Better yet, make up your own. Just flood the office. As new citizens you need to be in the know, right? Tell them to get it all out. Demand they start implementing electronic document management and delivery for these requests if they don't have it.
7. Townships, go into debt for a 'parting gift' for each of your annexed property owners. Make it a really nice one.
7. Townships, go into debt for a 'parting gift' for each of your annexed property owners. Make it a really nice one.
The City of Kokomo of Kokomo is obligated to take on the debt of the townships. Make sure they fulfill that obligation. Personally, I am thinking a super-nice wall plaque with an engraved message to the property owner and the name of the township trustee. That would be a really classy way to part.
8. Don't miss a council meeting. Run when you are eligible. Work for the people when you get elected.
These folks like governing unchecked. Stick it to them.
