Need help editing a letter to city council

[Icymudpuppy]

Dear City Council, City Mayor, and Planning Office,

I reside in the Urban Growth Area near ********* high school and have recently received your petition for annexation.
I am vehemently opposed to this annexation primarily on the grounds of water and sewer utility. I currently have well and septic on my property and am happy with my water quality. I am not interested in being hooked up to your foul tasting city water with its chemical additives of fluoride and chlorine. My pets, livestock, and garden also do not need chemical additives.
I understand that according to current ordinances, because I reside within 200 feet of existing sewer and water mains, I would be required to hook up at my own personal expense to your poison water and cap my well.
Under no circumstances will I do that, and I will fight you in court with appeal after appeal citing numerous medical journals of the harmful effects of fluoride and chlorine as drinking water additives.
Additionally, the requirement to hook up at my own expense is a violation of my 5th constitutional amendment. If you annex my property that is essentially seizure of my property by the city and thus I must be compensated for the value of that property which I would lose through that seizure, ie, the cost of hooking up.

I see 3 possible solutions to this in which no legal action will be required.
1. Leave me out of your annexation.
2. Exempt me from the water and sewer hookup requirement
3. City pays to hook me up to water and sewer but only to my toilets, showers, and washing machine. Sink and outdoor faucets would remain on well water.

I will require a personal response to this letter no later than October 1st detailing whether you will accept one of my three options, or whether you intend to try to force me into your water system.

Thank you,

CPT Jack RT
**** ***** Rd
*********, WA *****

 

[TaftFan]

"1776 will commence again if you hook me up with your city water!"

 

[ClydeCoulter]

Damn, sounds good already to me.

Although, instead of "...intend to try to force me into your water system." perhaps "...intend to force me into the court system for justice." or "...intend to force me to take you to court." (or something like that, that is where I thought the sentence was going as I was reading it) ?

 

[Icymudpuppy]

Good edit, Clyde.

That will be much better sounding.

intend to force me to take action through the courts.

 

[osan]

OK, I understand the venom, but it is not going to help. Lessee what we can do here.

Dear City Council, City Mayor, and Planning Office,

I reside in the Urban Growth Area near ********* high school and having recently reviewed your petition for annexation, am writing to express my unequivocal opposition for the following reasons. My displeasure with the idea rests primarily on the fact that because I reside within 200 feet of existing water and sewer lines, current ordinances would require that I hook up to those services, cap my existent well, and disconnect my septic system.

I am hereby placing the City of XXXXX on constructive notice that I decline to be forcibly subjected to such ordinances under any circumstance based on the the fact that they presume authority to which they have no valid empowerment. Moreover, such unwelcome mandates subject me to the costs of the services in question, not to mention the exposure to waters contaminated with the various chemical agents introduced therein purposefully by the city including fluoride and chlorine. I stand firmly on my refusal to be forcibly exposed to such dangerous agents that have been well demonstrated as posing significant health risks to humans, pets, and livestock. My current water and septic arrangements meet my needs perfectly and shall not be altered against my desires. Such requirements upon this property, which currently exists outside the boundaries of such questionably presumed authority, constitutes the practical equivalent of the imposition of an ex-post-facto law upon the people and properties to be affected by the proposed annexation, a clear violation of Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution of the United States of America.(might want to cite any similar prohibitions in the WA state constitution as well)

Additionally, the annexation of my property by the City of XXXXX would constitute a violation of my 4th Amendment rights in that the city will have effectively seized it against my consent and subjected it and myself to regulations to which I stand in uncompromising and diametric opposition.

As currently proposed, I will be forced to respond to this annexation and any such changes in the relevant status of my property with legal action as I will not allow this to go unchallenged.

I see 2 possible remedies to this potential problem that would save all concerned the need for legal action:

1. Leave my property out of your annexation.
2. Exempt my property from the water and sewer hookup requirement, the exemption to be deeded to the property at the city's expense.
3. City pays to hook me up to water and sewer but only to my toilets, showers, and washing machine. Sink and outdoor faucets would remain on well water.
***** I would very seriously recommend leaving #3 out because it is essentially conceding authority to Themme, which you should never do. Be polite but unyielding of your rights - just my worthless opinion.

I will require a written response to this letter no later than October 1st, after which time I will have no choice but to conclude that you reject my proposed remedies and will have to bring legal counsel into the matter.

Sincerely,

CPT Jack RT
**** ***** Rd
*********, WA *****

 

[Icymudpuppy]

OK, I understand the venom, but it is not going to help. Lessee what we can do here.

Thank you for the suggestions, OSAN.

Take a look at my modifications.

September 2, 2013

Dear **** City Manager, Council, Mayor, and Planning Office,

I reside in the Urban Growth Area near ***** high school and have recently having recently reviewed your petition for annexation, am writing to express my unyielding opposition.

My distaste for the idea rests on the fact that because I reside within 200 feet of existing water and sewer lines, current ordinances would require that I hook up to those services, cap my existent well, and disconnect my septic system.

I am hereby placing the City of ***** on constructive notice that I decline to be forcibly subjected to such ordinances under any circumstance based on the the fact that they presume authority over my land to which they have no valid empowerment. Moreover, such unwelcome mandates force upon me the costs of the services in question, not to mention exposure to waters contaminated with the various chemical agents introduced therein purposefully by the city including fluoride and chlorine. I stand firmly on my refusal to allow myself, my children, my lifestock, my pets, and my food crops to be forcibly exposed to such dangerous agents that have been well demonstrated as posing significant health risks to plants and animals. My current water and septic arrangements meet my needs perfectly and shall not be altered against my desires. Such requirements upon this property, which currently exists outside the boundaries of such questionably presumed authority, constitutes the practical equivalent of the imposition of an ex-post-facto law upon the people and properties to be affected by the proposed annexation, a clear violation of Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution of the United States of America and section 23 of the Washington State Constitution.

Additionally, the annexation of my property by the City of XXXXX would constitute a violation of my 5th Amendment rights and Section 16 of the WA state constitution in that the city will have effectively seized it without just compensation against my consent and subjected it and myself to regulations to which I stand in uncompromising and diametric opposition.

As currently proposed, I will be forced to respond to this annexation and any such changes in the relevant status of my property with legal action as I will not allow this to go unchallenged..

I see 3 possible remedies to this problem that would save all concerned the need for legal action:.
1. Leave my property out of your annexation.
2. Exempt my property from the water and sewer hookup requirement, the exemption to be deeded to the property at the city's expense.
3. Purchase my property at it’s last assessed value of $250,000

I will require a written response to this letter no later than October 1st, after which time I will have no choice but to conclude that you reject my proposed remedies and will have to bring legal counsel into the matter.

Thank you,

CPT Jack RT
**** ***** Rd
******, WA *****

 

[MelissaWV]

September 2, 2013

Dear **** City Manager, Council, Mayor, and Planning Office,

I reside in the Urban Growth Area near ***** high school and, have recently having recently reviewed your petition for annexation, am writing to express my unyielding opposition.

My distaste for the idea rests on the fact that because I reside within 200 feet of existing water and sewer lines, current ordinances would require that I hook up to those services, cap my existentexisting well, and disconnect my septic system.

I am hereby placing the City of ***** on constructive notice that I decline to be forcibly subjected to such ordinances under any circumstance based on the the fact that they presume authority over my land to which they have no valid empowerment. Moreover, such unwelcome mandates force upon me the costs of the services in question, not to mention exposure to waters contaminated with the various chemical agents introduced therein purposefully by the city including fluoride and chlorine. I stand firmly on my refusal to allow myself, my children, my lifestocklivestock, my pets, and my food crops to be forcibly exposed to such dangerous agents that have been well demonstrated as posing significant health risks to plants and animals. My current water and septic arrangements meet my needs perfectly and shall not be altered against my desires. Such requirements upon this property, which currently exists outside the boundaries of such questionably-presumed authority, constitutes the practical equivalent of the imposition of an ex-post-factoex post facto law upon the people and properties to be affected by the proposed annexation, a clear violation of Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution of the United States of America and section 23 of the Washington State Constitution.

Additionally, the annexation of my property by the City of XXXXX would constitute a violation of my 5th Amendment rights and Section 16 of the WA sState cConstitution in that the city will have effectively seized it, without just compensation and against my consent, and subjectedsubjecting it and myself to regulations to which I stand in uncompromising and diametric opposition.

As currently proposed, I will be forced to respond to this annexation and any such similar changes in the relevant status of my property with legal action as I will not allow this to go unchallenged..

I see 3three possible remedies to this problem that would save all concerned avoid the need for legal action:.
1. Leave my property out of your annexation.
2. Exempt my property from the water and sewer hookup requirement, the exemption to be deeded to the property at the city's expense.
3. Purchase my property at it’s its last assessed value of $250,000.

I will require a written response to this letter no later than October 1st, 2013, after which time I will have no choice but to conclude that you reject my proposed remedies, forcing me and will have to bring legal counsel into the matter.

Thank you,

CPT Jack RT
**** ***** Rd
******, WA *****

That's difficult to read... I will "rewrite" it with the corrections so you can see it better in a second.

 

[Icymudpuppy]

That's difficult to read... I will "rewrite" it with the corrections so you can see it better in a second.

Thank you Melissa. Working it.

 

[MelissaWV]

September 2, 2013

Dear **** City Manager, Council, Mayor, and Planning Office,

I reside in the Urban Growth Area near ***** high school and, having recently reviewed your petition for annexation, am writing to express my unyielding opposition.

My distaste for the idea rests on the fact that because I reside within 200 feet of existing water and sewer lines, current ordinances would require that I hook up to those services, cap my existing well, and disconnect my septic system.

I am hereby placing the City of ***** on notice that I decline to be forcibly subjected to such ordinances under any circumstance based on the the fact that they presume authority over my land to which they have no valid empowerment. Moreover, such unwelcome mandates force upon me the costs of the services in question, not to mention exposure to waters contaminated with the various chemical agents introduced therein purposefully by the city including fluoride and chlorine. I stand firmly on my refusal to allow myself, my children, my livestock, my pets, and my food crops to be forcibly exposed to such dangerous agents that have been demonstrated as posing significant health risks. My current water and septic arrangements meet my needs perfectly and shall not be altered against my wishes. Such requirements upon this property, which currently exists outside the boundaries of such questionably-presumed authority, constitutes the imposition of an ex post facto law upon the people and properties to be affected by the proposed annexation, a clear violation of Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution of the United States of America and section 23 of the Washington State Constitution.

Additionally, the annexation of my property by the City of XXXXX would constitute a violation of my 5th Amendment rights and Section 16 of the WA State Constitution in that the city will have effectively seized it, without just compensation and against my consent, subjecting it and myself to regulations to which I stand in uncompromising and diametric opposition.

I will be forced to respond to this annexation and any similar changes in the relevant status of my property with legal action as I will not allow this to go unchallenged.

I see three possible remedies to this problem that would avoid the need for legal action:
1. Leave my property out of your annexation.
2. Exempt my property from the water and sewer hookup requirement, the exemption to be deeded to the property at the city's expense.
3. Purchase my property at its last assessed value of $250,000.

I will require a written response to this letter no later than October 1st, 2013, after which time I will have no choice but to conclude that you reject my proposed remedies, forcing me to bring legal counsel into the matter.

Thank you,

CPT Jack RT
**** ***** Rd
******, WA *****

 

[MelissaWV]

I would also suggest including a printout of the regulations and passages you reference, with the applicable portions highlighted.

 

[Icymudpuppy]

Good Idea, Melissa. I'll do that. Not that hard to print out the constitutions.

September 2, 2013
Dear ****** City Manager, Council, Mayor, and Planning Office,
I reside in the Urban Growth Area near ***** high school and have recently having recently reviewed your petition for annexation, am writing to express my unyielding opposition.
My distaste for the idea rests on the fact that because I reside within 200 feet of existing water and sewer lines, current ordinances would require that I hook up to those services, cap my existing well, and disconnect my septic system at personal expense.
I am hereby placing the City of ***** on notice that I decline to be forcibly subjected to such ordinances under any circumstance based on the fact that they presume authority over my land to which they have no valid empowerment. Moreover, such unwelcome mandates force upon me the costs of the services in question, not to mention exposure to waters contaminated with the various chemical agents introduced therein purposefully by the city including fluoride and chlorine. I stand firmly on my refusal to allow myself, my children, my livestock, my pets, and my food crops to be forcibly exposed to such dangerous agents that have been demonstrated as posing significant health risks. My current water and septic arrangements meet my needs perfectly and shall not be altered against my wishes. Such requirements upon this property, which currently exists outside the boundaries of such questionably presumed authority, constitutes the imposition of an ex post facto law upon the people and properties to be affected by the proposed annexation, a clear violation of Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution of the United States of America and section 23 of the Washington State Constitution.
Additionally, the annexation of my property by the City of ***** would constitute a violation of my 5th Amendment rights and Section 16 of the WA State Constitution in that the city will have effectively seized it without just compensation and against my consent, subjecting it and myself to regulations to which I stand in uncompromising and diametric opposition.
As currently proposed, I will be forced to respond to this annexation and any such changes in the relevant status of my property with legal action as I will not allow this to go unchallenged..
I see 3 possible solutions to this in which no legal action will be required.
1. Leave my property out of your annexation.
2. Exempt my property from the water and sewer hookup requirement, the exemption to be deeded to the property at the city's expense.
3. Purchase my property at its value of $250,000
I will require a written response to this letter no later than October 1st, after which time I will have no choice but to conclude that you reject my proposed remedies and will have to bring legal counsel into the matter.
Thank you,
Cpt Jack R T
******** Rd
***, WA *****

 

[angelatc]

Nothing to add, but I seriously wish you luck. They are always looking to increase their tax base.

 

[osan]

Thank you Melissa. Working it.

I think it is good as it stands - Melissa did a good job cleaning up my admittedly off-the-top quick and dirty job.

But Capt - are you not mistaken about 5th Amendment? Should it not be 4th - seizure of property?

EDIT: OK - I should be ashamed - but methinks you might cite the 4th as well as it relates to seizures.

 

[Icymudpuppy]

Okay, the draft is sent out for local assistance.

I have contacted the Executive Director of the WA state Libertarian Party who has already pledged to draft a flyer and petition.

The County Tea Party President who hasn't responded yet.

The WA state Republican Liberty Caucus who hasn't responded yet.

The WA state Freedom Foundation who hasn't responded yet.

The Three Ron Paul supporters on the city council who I think will back us.

All my immediate neighbors who so far are all in agreement with me. One of whom has already agreed to door-knock with me.

Wish me luck in Fighting City Hall.

CPT Jack.

 

[osan]

I would also suggest including a printout of the regulations and passages you reference, with the applicable portions highlighted.

In which case his signature line should include :encl to indicate the attachments.

Another thing I might consider is CC: to the state attorney general - let the city know you are not fucking around.

 

[Icymudpuppy]

I think it is good as it stands - Melissa did a good job cleaning up my admittedly off-the-top quick and dirty job.

But Capt - are you not mistaken about 5th Amendment? Should it not be 4th - seizure of property?

EDIT: OK - I should be ashamed - but methinks you might cite the 4th as well as it relates to seizures.

The fourth has more to do with seizures following a criminal search. This is more of an eminent domain thing.

 

[XNavyNuke]

Been there, done that.

Get thee to the city hall and ask to speak to the clerk. You wish to FOIA all written and electronic correspondence between the mayor, city council, planning director, and city attorney on this particular annexation measure. These annexations do not occur in a vacuum. There is a history. I would start by going back 18 months. You may have to go back further if what you read indicates earlier dates that you don't have.

If you come across any good dirt, be sure to tip off a couple of local news reporters.

Good luck!
XNN

 

[Icymudpuppy]

Been there, done that.

Get thee to the city hall and ask to speak to the clerk. You wish to FOIA all written and electronic correspondence between the mayor, city council, planning director, and city attorney on this particular annexation measure. These annexations do not occur in a vacuum. There is a history. I would start by going back 18 months. You may have to go back further if what you read indicates earlier dates that you don't have.

If you come across any good dirt, be sure to tip off a couple of local news reporters.

Good luck!
XNN

Oh. Thanks. Great idea. I won't have time to go there myself, but I'm sure one of my retired neighbors will.

 

[Barrex]

Good luck.

Also make sure City council knows that you are sending it to everyone and that you are serious( make CC visible).

 

[Barrex]

Good luck.

Also make sure City council knows that you are sending it to everyone and that you are serious( make CC visible).