The city of Kinston was named as one of the top-ten All American cities last week along with Statesville.
But some citizens in Lenoir County would beg to differ with that decision.
Earlier this month, city leaders voted 3-2 to annex the neighborhood of Crestview and other communites along Hwy 258, although there had been protests and threats of law suits, according the Kinston Free Press.
North Carolina is one of two states in which involuntary annexation is legal. Nebraska is the other.
Mayor “Buddy Rich” made a statment during one interview saying that if people didn’t want to live in the city, then they shouldn’t have moved to an area that would be annexed. What a pompus thing to say.
When most of those people moved into their neighborhood, it was probably inconceivable to think they would be snatched up by the city in a strong-arm power grab.
A grassroots movement, headed up by Stephen LaRoque, will be putting up billboards (like the one seen above) to further protest the city’s actions. One reads:
Kingston, N.C.:
Serving King George III Since 1762
Taxation Without Representation
Kinston was originally called “Kingston” in honor of King George III of England.
Just because involuntary annexation is legal, doesn’t mean cities should take advantage of it…especially when there is large amount of opposition.
If this is an example of an All American City, what does that mean for America?
indieregister.wordpress.com 
The reason for the annex, is MONEY, pure and simple. More homes more taxes. These elected officials only look at money, not management. Federal, state, county and city government have proven it for years.