Lincoln CSE Activists Celebrate Incorporation Bill Defeat

Yesterday Lincoln CSE members were overjoyed about the news that their hard work paid off. S 24, the bill to Incorporate West Norman, was overwhelmingly defeated 90-25 in the North Carolina House of Representatives.

CSE’s activists saw the bill as just another attempt to increase taxes, the size of government, and regulation through Incorporation. Through a carefully orchestrated campaign, CSE activists refuted claims by proponents of the bill that incorporation would actually mean “lower taxes.”

On June 5, 2001, at NC CSE Day at the Capital, the determined and energized Lincoln County CSE activists took their battle to the legislature when they joined over 500 state-wide activists fighting for less taxes and smaller government. They personally distributed a position paper to legislators explaining the pitfalls West Norman Incorporation. Also several CSE activists made additional visits to legislators and spoke before committees to persuade them to vote against S 24. Supplementing their Raleigh visits, CSE activists organized a phone and e-mail campaign to ensure the message that S24 was just another way to increase taxes and grow government was delivered to the legislators.

Lincoln County CSE activists also worked closely with their local house delegation to defeat the bill. They stayed in close contact with all three local representatives as to the progression of the bill. Rep. Joe Kiser led the local delegation, along with Rep. Mark Hilton and Rep. Dan Barefoot helped them defeat the legislation.

“This demonstrates that grassroots activism really does pay off. When concerned citizens get involved, you get results, ” said David Higgins, CSE member and a resident of the proposed incorporation area.