The Nov. 15. issue of The Daily Sentinel had a very pro column for annexation of Fruitvale and Clifton by the city of Grand Junction. I feel annexation is wrong for these areas for a number of reasons.

First of all, many folks living in these areas do not want to be part of the city. Second, at the very least our property tax will go up 2 mills and we will get a large increase in sales tax, which will really affect you if you buy a car or major appliance. Third, the three phases the annexation committee has set up are all to encompass some of the commercial business around the 32 Road area to encourage the city to annex the area. This would leave a large buffer zone between the city limits and the annexed areas. People living in this area would get annexed and not have any say in it or have a vote on the matter.

Last but not least, according to Janet Rowland at the meetings, our area cost more to service than the taxes we generate. If that is so, then why would the city want us anyway? Hardly a week passes that there is not an article in the Sentinel that the city cannot provide services to the people who already live there because of lack of funds.

If you have a vote on this matter, please vote “No” for yourselves and all of us who won’t get a say in the matter.

Richard Gerhardt
Fruitvale