Alderman opposes Home Rule Charter
Dear Editor:
Some Louisville residents think Mayor Bickers canceled the October BMA meeting to prevent praise for Alderman Steve Dixon and myself during our final BMA session. Mr. Bickers had a more sinister motive.
Forestall public discussion of the Home Rule Charter Referendum Louisville citizens are being asked to approve Nov. 6. His strategy is “keep the issue under the radar.” The BMA passed the resolution in November, 2011. Mr. Bickers delayed submitting the referendum to the Board of Elections until Sept. 14, 2012, just one month before early voting. A special called Board of Elections meeting was required to approve adding the referendum to the ballot. Why the subterfuge? Reason is Bickers figures that without discussion, voters will assume everyone agrees that Home Rule Charter will prevent property taxes in Louisville. Truth is that no Louisville official would ever have the nerve to suggest a property tax. All of them — past, present and future — promised no property tax!
What Mayor Bickers fails to tell Louisville residents is the Home Rule Charter places much greater power in his hands and his planning commission appointees, powers which can drastically change the character and quality of scenic Louisville. It will give them power to condemn property, real or personal, for present or future public use. It will give them power of eminent domain with the potential of private property being diverted to retail, commercial and industrial development. Topside and Louisville roads may end up looking like Clinton Highway with hub cap shops, used car lots and cheap bars.
Home Rule Charter grants dangerous powers to the mayor and his appointees which will infringe on the rights of Louisville residents as private American citizens. I recommend that Town of Louisville citizens vote “no” on the Home Rule Charter.
Respectfully,
Joe Gallagher, Louisville Alderman
3151 Hardy Blvd.
Louisville, TN 37777
