In the 1700’s this country’s forefathers recognized that taxation without representation was unethical. Centuries later citizens of a “free” society who are still falling victim to high-handed government abuse fight back in a law suit against the City to guarantee their freedoms.
Brighton, CO (Vocus) November 9, 2009 -- Since November 2007, the Commerce City Tea Party, a non-profit organization composed of Adams County area businesses and residents has been fighting Commerce City in opposition to the unilateral annexation of two portions of unincorporated Adams County.
The Commerce City Tea Party Chairman, Les Burch explained that, “This annexation was imposed without consent, or a vote of the people – that’s taxation without representation and its wrong. The City could have offered this up for a vote of the people regardless of the statutes, but they intentionally chose not to. They wouldn’t allow the people affected to speak much less vote. We don’t intend to quietly submit to these kinds of unconstitutional and unethical practices.”
In December 2007, despite strong opposition, Commerce City Council voted to unilaterally annex approximately 1,260 acres of unincorporated Adams County. The annexation became effective December 31, 2007. In response to the vote, the Commerce City Tea Party filed a motion to have the Commerce City Council reconsider the annexation ordinances. On January 28, City Council voted unanimously to summarily deny the motion with not so much as one member of the City Council in attendance who would explain the basis for their decision on the record.
“Commerce City clearly demonstrated their indifference to public opinion on several occasions”, said Burch. The City’s denial prompted the Commerce City Tea Party to file suit against them in February 2008 (Case number 2008CV289), claiming that is was illegal for Commerce City to use railroad rights-of-way for part of their annexation boundary. The case has now moved to the Colorado Court of Appeals. The Commerce City Tea Party’s case will be heard on November 16, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. (Colorado Court of Appeals case number 08CA2633). A rally will be held across from the Capital Building prior to the hearing.
According to Burch, “We expect at least a couple hundred people to demonstrate their support of the Tea Party’s cause at this rally. We have the support of several other organizations that are also committed to fighting against taxation without representation and we expect them to be present at the rally as well. We are going to absolutely stuff the courtroom; it will be hard to deny that this is an important matter to many, many people in this city. Our attorney is confident of our position and we are all looking forward to presenting our case against the City in the Court of Appeals. ”
About The Commerce City Tea Party:
The Commerce City Tea Party is a non-profit organization composed of Adams County area businesses and residents committed to disputing the unilateral annexation of certain portions of unincorporated Adams County. The annexation was imposed without the consent of, or vote by, the people in the affected areas. For more information about the Commerce City Tea Party and to find out how you can help fight unilateral annexation, visit http://www.commercecityteaparty.org/, or contact the law firm of Zakhem Atherton at 303.228.1200.
Media Contact:
Sarah Shaffer
303-286-7271
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