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_ <br /> COI~ZNIIZfiEE STATF=MENTS <br /> <br /> ` ' I implore both City and County officials to put an end to island annexation as soon as possible. The <br /> j County has clearly stated time and time again it has no money, time or interest in providing services to <br /> River Road. Years ago, the City blocked the forming of the City of Santa Clara. Hence, the City of <br /> Eugene is the natural provider of services to River Road. But, is the City willing to do the work <br /> necessary to that end? <br /> If the City of Eugene does in fact want to annex all of River Road, there are two different ways to <br /> accomplish that end. The first is to do so without a vote or consent of the population. Should the City <br /> choose that route, all that is needed is for the City to take over a small chunk of Belt Line and the City <br /> would surround all of River Road, thus giving the City the ability to annex all property south of Belt <br /> Line. On the other hand, if the City of Eugene feels that annexation is the proper route to pursue but <br /> ;t only on a voluntary basis, then it needs to be put to a vote. However, I ask that if it's put to a vote and <br /> the vote fails, you allow River Road to find its own way and cut it loose. In short, my personal opinion <br /> is that if you want River Road, take it. If you want it to be voluntary, and it isn't, don't keep taking it. <br /> Lastly, I want to commend and thank Jim Croteau for doing an excellent job in assisting this committee II <br /> as well as his ability to act in an impartial manner. And, I have been completely impressed by both City <br /> j ~ and County staff who run and maintain all of our service districts. Their commitment to providing <br /> seamless and exemplary services under very complicated and convoluted circumstances is quite <br /> impressive. <br /> I live in an older house next to a new housing development. That's why I applied to be on the <br /> committee. I could see the differences in service and wanted to help develop a more comprehensive <br /> plan for the area. I feel that the most important thing for elected officials to do is develop a block <br /> annexation plan. No more piecemeal deals. It would be easier to develop services if there wasn't so <br /> many little pockets/ patches within the urban growth boundary. My feeling is that the "fight <br /> annexation" group is diluted. It's not a matter of if the city will annex but when the city will annex: ~ <br /> Maybe if they see it in those terms they would be more willing to sit down and think about how they <br /> would like their service to be delivered. I for one would like to see Santa Clara/River Road have service <br /> ~ aligned with those of the City of Eugene for consistency. <br /> i <br /> 57 <br /> <br />