MEMORANDUM

TO: Timothy Navarre, Assembly President

Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly Members

FROM: Dale L. Bagley, Borough Mayor

DATE: January 22, 2002

SUBJECT: City of Homer Annexation

Over the past two years the annexation issue has been at the forefront of almost all issues in the Homer area. I have received numerous phone calls, petitions, and letters against annexation.

I disagree with the method that the City of Homer used to annex this area. There are other methods that Homer could have used that would have required a vote of the effected area. I feel that a vote is essential if a city wants to attempt an annexation. I also feel that the Boundary Commission should have recommended that the Homer City Council and Mayor all run for election this year.

You will hear people say that this is not a Borough issue and that the Borough should stay out of this fight. Assembly member Martin and I have had many constituents talk with us about this issue, and it is very important to us. The situation in Homer is no different than any other city in the Borough and it could happen in your area, with your constituents.

The thing that bothers me the most is the thought that if I choose to live outside a city I would not want to be annexed without being able to vote on it. I just can't get past that issue.

Please try and put yourselves in the shoes of the people in the annexed area and try and understand how they feel.