I am writing to voice my opposition to the involuntary annexation by Overland Park of 15 square miles of southern Johnson County.
The residents of that area are nearly unanimous in their opposition to a government they didn’t elect forcing its will on them, and interfering with their property and their lifestyles.
This stinks for everyone else, too.
The older cities of Johnson County will see the demand for their homes dwindle, their businesses facing even more competition, and their tax dollars marching south.
Shawnee Mission Schools will see the population growth necessary to keep its schools open taking a hard turn south toward 199th Street.
Citizens of Overland Park should be alarmed at paying more than $1 million in subsidies to this area in just the first year alone, while Metcalf South and other older commercial areas in Overland Park continue to deteriorate.
There is no evidence to suggest anyone’s county taxes will drop, despite the fact that this annexation would shrink the county’s size by about 7 percent.
The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners should reject this proposal, and Overland Park should focus on governing what it already has.
Lynne Matile
Chairwoman, “No” to Annexation Coalition
Bucyrus, Kan.
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