LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

WESTSIDE — Editor,

With the upcoming patriotic 4th of July holiday let’s review:

Respect the Flag! As per the Flag Code approved in 1976: “During the playing of the National Anthem when the flag is displayed, all present shall stand at attention, facing the flag with the right hand over the heart ... When the flag is not displayed (or visible) face toward the music and act in the manner they would if the flag were displayed there.”

At the very least: Be Quiet!

Men: Remove your hat or cap! (Women don’t have to remove their hat.)

Yes, it does matter and yes, it is important!

Paulette Austin Gravette Editor,

This is written in response to Dodie Evans’ “Off the Cuff” column in the previous issue of the paper.

As one who has watched closely the several attempts by the City of Gravette to annex areascurrently outside the City boundaries, I want to raise the following points:

Annexation of rural Arkansas properties is a very contentious proposition. Why?

In the case of the City of Gravette’s recent failed attempts, several factors were involved:

◊The owners of areas to be annexed were not adequately forewarned;

◊The City Planning Commission apparently did not adequately advise the City Council;

◊The first impulse on hearing of Gravette’s intent was “It’s a grab for county taxes which can deprive those remaining in the county of needed services”;

◊There was never any commitment from the city as to the services, if any, to be extended to the annexed area.

That latter point is crucial to any proper annexation proposal. What do the annexed owners get if they agree to annexation? What new restrictions will apply?

I urge the Planning Commission and City Council to seriously thinkthrough the actual - not theoretical - advantages, if any, to the annexed area before they ever commit to annexation!

I further urge the Planning Commission and City Council to contact, as early as possible, every property owner proposed for annexation. Unless the city is going to compensate property owners, they must be adequately forewarned and full disclosure made of the city’s intent and purpose.

I tend to agree with Mr. Evans when he says “ ...Gravette ... can be more proactive in planning for their futures....” “The best way for progress is for property owners to join in areas for potential annexation.”

However, property owners have “joined in” in rejecting Gravette’s last attempt. I can assure you that they will continue to join in unless they are given adequate and proper prior notice and are made fully aware of just what the city is offering in services and restrictions to the annexed area.

Robert E. Moore Gravette