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NO Annexation Landslide!

With all votes counted, we are pleased with the election results for the annexation proposition.  We still have much work to do to make sure the City of San Antonio does not over step their authority.

I know the community supports our Military mission 110% and I encourage everyone to get involved to insure the big City bureaucrats in San Antonio don’t screw up our part of the County. 

A big thank you to all the people who fought tirelessly to gain the right to vote.  Thank you to all those that came out and voted!

If you have signs and banners out, please collect them and dispose of them responsibly.

Gratefully,
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Mike Stewart
President, Homeowners Against Annexation



HAA Newsletter: The TX Supreme Court Let Us Down...But We'll Win at the Polls!

The Texas Supreme Court has denied our petition to ask the City of San Antonio to clarify the confusing and vague ballot language on the Annexation-Proposition A.  It is troubling to know that questionable actions by our municipalities continue to occur.  Sadly, litigation seems to be the only method we have to fight the injustices that we face on the San Antonio Annexation proposition this midterm election.  When we don’t succeed, we must stay motivated and determined and we must keep fighting!

A heartfelt “thank you” to everyone who contributed to the lawsuit.  This has been a testament to the strength of our grassroots efforts to keep big government in check. We must seek out leaders who value the ideals of our Constitutional Republic.  We should all be proud of our efforts!

As a reminder of how government entities run amok or lead us astray….
  • Fair Oaks Ranch forcibly annexes more than 10% of their land area the day before the Texas Annexation Right to Vote Act goes into effect.  A clear violation of Texas Local Government Code.

  • City of San Antonio asks residents outside of their electorate to choose between fees, fines and other charges AND fees, fines and other charges on the ballot.  If this is not a violation of the Title 5, Chapter 52 of the Texas Election Code, then it was written to be intentionally ambiguous.

  • The letter that the City of San Antonio sent to all registered voters in the annexation areas stated:  "Leaving the ballot blank or voting for both Option 1 and 2 will result in authorization of Option 2."  The Texas Attorney General has concluded in his Opinion (KP-0221): Election Code section 65.009 provides that a vote for a measure shall be counted if the voter's intent is clearly ascertainable. The City's plan to count ballots voting for both propositions or left blank as a vote in favor of Option 2 is contrary to this provision because such ballots do not indicate a clearly ascertainable intent for Option 2. 

Let’s remember that it hasn’t been that long ago (2017) that we fought for and won the right to vote for or against Annexation!  ** Vote NO Annexation - Option 2**.  Next, we focus on the upcoming legislative session to strengthen the Texas Annexation Right to Vote Act which will strengthen our rights.

Let’s celebrate a “No Annexation” victory at La Hacienda Scenic Loop on November 6 between 6pm - 10:30pm.  If you mention “HAA” or “Homeowners Against Annexation” when you order your food, they will donate to our cause. You can either just show up for dinner or RSVP at:
https://www.homeownersagainstannexation.com/2018/10/rsvp-for-haa-election-night-celebration.html

Sincerely,
MichaelPStewart_Signature.png
Michael "Mike" P. Stewart,
President, Homeowners Against Annexation

REMINDER: RSVP for the HAA Election Night Celebration!

HAA invites you to celebrate the Election Night results with us on Tuesday, November 6th from 6p to 10:30p or so at La Hacienda Scenic Loop.  Please RSVP using the form below or go to our website so we can let the restaurant know how many people to expect.

And if you mention HAA when you order your food Tuesday night, 5% of your food bill will be donated to HAA!


HAA Newsletter - Oct 26, 2018 - 1. You Do Need to Vote - 2. Reporting Voting Discrepancies

Yes!
You Do Need to Vote on Annexation Proposition

Q:  The letter I received from San Antonio regarding the Special Election for the Annexation Proposition indicates that….
Leaving the ballot blank or voting for both Option 1 and 2 will result in authorization of Option 2.”
Does that mean that I don’t have to vote for the Annexation Proposition?  

A:  It is imperative that everyone in the annexation areas go to the poll and vote AND select Option 2, No Annexation.  If you leave this Annexation Proposition blank or if you mark both options, your vote will not count.  

Recently, the Attorney General, Ken Paxton, responded to Sen. Donna Campbell’s request regarding the statement made on the letter from the City of San Antonio that states….”Leaving the ballot blank or voting for both Option 1 and 2 will result in authorization of Option 2”.
The AG responded with Opinion No. KP-0221, October 22, 2018 as follows:
In the instance of an unmarked or blank ballot, the voter might have intended to signal to the City that the voter opposed either type of regulation, might have misunderstood the instructions, or might have simply neglected to mark a choice. In either instance, it is impossible for the counting officials to clearly ascertain the voter's intent, much less a clear intent to vote for Option 2.
Election Code section 65.009 provides that a vote for a measure shall be counted if the voter's intent is clearly ascertainable. The City's plan to count ballots voting for both propositions or left blank as a vote in favor of Option 2 is contrary to this provision because such ballots do not indicate a clearly ascertainable intent for Option 2.

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 Voting Discrepancies

We've had several reports of ballots missing the annexation proposition, so please be vigilant!

FIRST STEP:

Confirm that you are in the proposed annexation area by using the City of San Antonio maps linked below:

SECOND STEP:

The polling clerk must confirm that your ballot has the Proposition A (Annexation Proposition).  Tell the polling clerk that it will be the very last item on the ballot and is called Proposition A (Annexation Proposition).  (See sample ballot for details.)

THIRD STEP:

Refuse the ballot if the Annexation Proposition is not on the ballot.  If the proposition does NOT appear on your ballot, let your on-site election officials know immediately.  They can work with you to give you a new correct ballot with the proposition on it.

FOURTH STEP:

You should report any discrepancies to the Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacquelyn F. Callanen at 210-335-8683 (VOTE) if she was not already notified during the ballot exchange process. Get the name of the polling clerk and report any problems you encounter on the online HAA Incident Report!  HAA now has a Voting Incident Reporting form linked on our website, and you can also fill it out HERE.  

You can also review your rights as a voter in Texas at https://www.votetexas.gov/your-rights/ and either call the number on that page and/or go to the Federal Department of Justice website (https://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php) if you would like to file a formal complaint.


And remember to select OPTION 2 - NO ANNEXATION!

URGENT CALL FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST THE TWO OPTIONS OF THE SAN ANTONIO ANNEXATION VOTE

It pains me to see money go to fight something that is clearly illegal.  I would rather help those in need.  Unfortunately, the City of San Antonio has misled voters in clear violation of Title 5, Chapter 52 (52.072 & 52.073) of the Texas Elections Code.

Early voting has started but we don't want annexation: to pay 23% more in taxes or change our emergency services.  Even with Option 2 (No Annexation with land use controls as stated in the Joint Land Use Study) we have issues with the language giving the City of San Antonio the authority to impose charges without knowing just what or how much they would be.  Therefore, we have taken the bold step to challenge the City on the ballot language.  We have filed an emergency writ of mandamus with the Texas Supreme Court (18-1007).  The goal is to have the ballot language changed to be in compliance with state election law and to clarify what authority this vote provides the City.

We need to pay for these legal fees and could use any donation you could make.  How about a contribution of $25?   What about $100?  Or contribute one year of tax savings from not being annexed.  Remember that is a 23% increase in your property tax.

Whatever you can support is appreciated.  A handful of residents stepped up to file suit to get this ball rolling and we need to do all we can to stand up for our rights.

Donate here https://www.homeownersagainstannexation.com/p/donate.html  and simply mark 'for litigation' in the comments field.


Sincerely,
MichaelPStewart_Signature.png
Michael "Mike" P. Stewart
President, Homeowners Against Annexation

Early Voting Starts Today - Vote NO ANNEXATION

The polls open today, and thanks to the Texas Annexation Right to Vote Act, we can now tell the City of San Antonio that we do NOT want to be annexed!  Below is a list of early voting locations, as well as several links with important information.

Vote OPTION 2 - NO ANNEXATION!



Use this site to check if you are registered, find polling locations by your address, and view a map of the early vote locations.

View a sample ballot, including the annexation proposition - Proposition A: Camp Bullis.  It is the last proposition on the ballot, and you want to vote OPTION 2 to vote NO ANNEXATION.  Make sure your ballot contains this proposition when you go to vote!


Includes what to bring when you vote, as well as info on free or discounted rides to polling places.

And many thanks to Lyle Larson for his timely newsletter this morning encouraging us all to vote OPTION 2 to vote NO ANNEXATION!

Newsletter - Homeowners Against Annexation - Oct 16, 2018

We are coming down the home stretch.  November 6 is right around the corner.  “No Annexation” yard signs and banners are all around us reminding us of this very important responsibility….
Vote NO Annexation: OPTION 2

What have we done so far…..

  • The outreach for our NO ANNEXATION message has been amazing with the distribution of signage, presentations at HOA meetings, reminders on social media forums, etc.  Yard signs are no longer available!  That’s a good thing...it means people are spreading the word.

  • Mailers are being sent to key target areas.  “Talking points” are available below as URGENT MESSAGE from HOMEOWNERS AGAINST ANNEXATION for anyone who would like to print it out and take it on block walks, hand out to anyone who may not have a good understanding of why we don’t want to be annexed.

  • Several highly motivated and committed residents of our community have taken the bold step to challenge the City of San Antonio with a lawsuit that seeks to clarify the ballot content or eliminate the ballot altogether. This legal challenge is an expensive endeavor but, if won, will be a big win for “we the people”.  It will also give us an opportunity at the next regular legislative session to try to change the Texas Annexation Reform Act to allow the county to govern us, as is appropriate, rather than the municipality, as is currently stated in the law.

Legal costs for the lawsuit are in the $25,000 range.  If you feel strongly about your right to fair and accurate voting and would like to contribute to the lawsuit, you can contribute by sending a check payable to: Leeser Law (please indicate on check memo “Annexation”) directly to:

Leeser Law
9800 Lorene Lane
San Antonio, TX 78216


What more can we do:

  • Talk to your neighbors at every opportunity.  Let them know about the Annexation proposal and the reasons why we must Vote NO! (Talking points below)

  • Vote….Vote…..Vote!

  • When you vote, be sure to receive a ballot with the Annexation Proposal.  If the ballot does not contain the Annexation Proposal, advise the poll worker that you live in the area targeted for annexation and have the right to vote on the Annexation Proposal.

  • Early voting starts Oct 22 and ends Nov 2 at any Early Voting Precinct.

  • Vote by Mail Ballot:  Requires two (2) Forever stamps and must be at Bexar County Elections Administration by 7:00 pm on November 6.

  • Anyone whose voter registration address is in the annexation area should be allowed to vote on the Annexation Proposal.

  • Donations are the fuel that powers our grassroots efforts to continue the fight against annexation.  https://www.homeownersagainstannexation.com/p/donate.html

Important Links:



**************************************************************************
************* Feel Free to Copy and Print the Following Talking Points **************
**************************************************************************


URGENT MESSAGE

from HOMEOWNERS AGAINST ANNEXATION


Q:  The City of San Antonio wants to annex the area in which I live.  Do I want to be annexed?

A:   There are many reasons why you should NOT want to be annexed.  The 3 biggest reasons are:
  • The property taxes you pay on your home could increase by approximately 23%.
    • Ex: Current property taxes of $7,000/yr would increase to approximately $8,610/yr.
    • If you are a renter, those increased property taxes could likely be passed on to you as increased rent.

  • If annexed, you, as a San Antonio resident, would share in their massive debt, which could mean higher taxes in the future.

  • If annexed, San Antonio will enforce many more ordinances and regulations beyond those of protecting the military bases.  If you are NOT annexed, only those regulations outlined in the Joint Land Use Study will be enforced (lighting and land use, such as new development and new building).
Q:  What can I do to NOT be annexed by San Antonio?

A:  In order to NOT be annexed……
  • Vote!...This November 6th election, there will be an Annexation Proposal on the ballot which will require you to vote on whether or not you want to be annexed by San Antonio.  Remember, if you do NOT want to risk having higher property taxes, higher rents and enforcement of many more city ordinances, then VOTE NO ANNEXATION; OPTION 2

  • Take advantage of early voting.  Early voting dates start Oct. 22 and end Nov 2 and can be done at any early voting precinct.

  • Get more information at:  www.HomeownersAgainstAnnexation.com

A vote for OPTION 2 means you do NOT want to be annexed.
See you at the voting booth!




Sincerely,
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Michael "Mike" P. Stewart
President, Homeowners Against Annexation

HAA Update - Annexation Voting

Howdy Neighbors!

November 6 is fast approaching and the fate of the Camp Bullis Annexation is only 54 days away.  Let's all roll up our sleeves and get to work!

What can we do?

Are you having an HOA meeting?  a book club meeting?  a cookout or crawfish boil?  Let us know and someone from Homeowners Against Annexation (HAA) will be happy to talk about the perils of annexation.  We can bring t-shirts, flyers and yard signs!  Email us at: HomeownersAgainstAnnexation@gmail.com

With donations received, we have been able to order yard signs, banners, postcards and reserve one billboard on I10 near Old Fredericksburg Rd that will be setup in October.  If one billboard is a good idea, then two would be better!  If anyone or any group is able to rent another billboard in a different area, please contact us for the design and other details. Also, please contact HAA if you are able to attach a 4x8 banner to a fence or building in an area with high visibility.  Email us: HomeownersAgainstAnnexation@gmail.com

Please keep in mind that this won't be the last time City of San Antonio (COSA) will try to annex us. This will be a fight that will continue into the future. COSA has $250,000, per election, to try to annex us. We have the help of generous donors like you to fight them. Please donate:  http://www.homeownersagainstannexation.com/p/donate.html

 ****** Vote NO Annexation; Vote Option 2 on November 6th!  ******

Sincerely
MichaelPStewart_Signature.png
Michael “Mike” P. Stewart
President, Homeowners Against Annexation

Support from our Legislators

Both our Texas State Senator Donna Campbell and our Texas State Representative Lyle Larson have been actively working to support us in our fight against annexation.  Brief updates from their offices are below:

Senator Donna Campbell

Senator Campbell sent a request to Attorney General Ken Paxton for a legal opinion regarding the City of San Antonio's upcoming ballot initiative on annexation, specifically asking whether or not the imposition of fees and fines and/or the proposed ballot language are in accordance with guidelines set by the Texas Supreme Court.  The official press release and letter to the Attorney General are shown below.





Representative Lyle Larson


Representative Lyle Larson held several discussions and meetings with officials from the City of San Antonio to address issues with the City's ballot language.  He and his office continue to monitor the process very closely and have put together some informative slides showing the targeted area of annexation as well as the list of land use controls possible under the military buffer regulation.





Annexation Proposition Update

Howdy Neighbors!

There continues to be confusion and outrage about the ambiguous ballot language in the upcoming November 6th annexation proposition.

HAA recently met with representatives from Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), the City of San Antonio (COSA), Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) and Bexar County to address our concerns about 1) what exactly does JBSA need to implement, in our area, to protect Camp Bullis and 2) the ballot language. The following is the outcome after a lengthy discussion....

Camp Bullis Protection:  While JBSA and COSA still believe that annexation is the solution to the lighting and density (development) situation, fortunately for us, the Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) does not require it.  However, Section 43.0117 goes into effect because we are within the 5 mile buffer of Camp Bullis.  This part of the new law provides "the municipality with the authority to adopt and enforce an ordinance regulating the land use in the area in the manner recommended by the most recent joint land use study."

As an example, if you plan to "redevelop" your property, you may be subjected to a permit fee as outlined in the JLUS.   There are very few fees that the JLUS defines....most of us will barely feel the pain, if at all. It's still much better than being annexed! However, we do need to continue to be watchdogs on what COSA is up to..stay involved, ask questions and support strong County leadership.

Ballot Language:  COSA presented revised language that was marginally better than the original language.  We recommended changes to better balance the appearance of fees and fines.  It turns out they listened.  Shortly after our meeting, COSA published new language that was better, but still not what we would've preferred.  While most of us agree that both ballot Options are bad, OPTION 2 is the only way to avoid Annexation.  VOTE OPTION 2 on November 6.

What can we do?
  • Get the word out to your friends and neighbors!   VOTE OPTION 2 on Nov. 6!
  • Please make a donation....anything will help.  (FACT:  To date, we have received donations for this effort from approximately 0.005% of our total annexation area population.  COSA is spending $250,000 on this election process.  Please help us compete with that!)
  • Donate here:  http://www.homeownersagainstannexation.com/p/donate.html 
  • Attend the public hearing at Leon Springs Baptist Church on Boerne Stage Rd. on September 27. (Yard signs, T-shirts will be available)
  • Attend the public hearing at Aue Elementary on Oct 2.  
  • Continue to be patriots and support our military.  If you see violations of the Dark Skies Initiatives or Density Limits that JBSA needs to be successful, speak up and contact the authorities.
  • Continue to get updates at www.HomeownersAgainstAnnexation.com
  • Did we mention donations?! 

Sincerely
MichaelPStewart_Signature.png
Michael “Mike” P. Stewart
President, Homeowners Against Annexation

Vote NO ANNEXATION Option 2

By now you have likely received your letter from the City of San Antonio.  The City assured me they have gone out of their way to make it clear.   Now they wonder why nobody trusts them…it is anything but clear.

There is ongoing communication with Homeowners Against Annexation (HAA), the COSA and JBSA and other key players on changing the Ballot language.  We have a meeting next week with JBSA to understand their needs as the JLUS is not specific to what land use controls would be implemented.  We will report those findings late next week.

In the meantime, plan to vote Option 2 NO ANNEXATION.  This is the only option that avoids annexation into the City with a 23% tax increase.

A quick refresher…In order to get the Texas Annexation Right to Vote Act to pass, Sec 43.0117 had to be included. This is commonly called the 5 mile military buffer.  Had this language not been included, the big City opposition to Annexation reform would have filibustered (as they did in the regular session) and killed the bill and thus we would be 1 year into a 3 year process that absolutely would have resulted in Annexation. We are looking at the language and what the City can do along with what JBSA wants/needs. I will report our findings later this month. Regardless, we will need money for outreach. Donate at http://www.homeownersagainstannexation.com/p/donate.html?m=1

Make sure you are registered to vote and vote for Option 2 on November 6th.  Tell your neighbors and help them get to the polls!

We worked hard to pass the Texas Annexation Right to Vote Act.  Now we have to get out and vote NO ANNEXATION!  What should you do today?


We will need donations for flyers, signs, t-shirts and mailers.  There will also be lots of opportunities for block walkers.

Signs will be available in the next couple weeks!

Make sure your neighbors know to vote NO ANNEXATION.  If you have friends and family in the proposed annexation area, make sure they get signed up at www.homeownersagainstannexation.com for updates.

The efforts of Homeowners Against Annexation, the community and YOU are the key to stopping annexation!

Sign up for updates at www.homeownersagainstannexation.com

Click here to donate so we can challenge the $250,000 the City of San Antonio will spend on this election!

Sincerely
MichaelPStewart_Signature.png
Michael “Mike” P. Stewart
President, Homeowners Against Annexation

Get Out and Vote NO on Annexation November 6th!

As we expected, the San Antonio City Council voted to put the annexation of our area up for a vote.

The election will take place on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

We have the option to vote yes on annexation or NO on annexation.  A yes vote means you will become part of the City, your property taxes will go up by 23% and be subject to ALL City regulations.  A NO vote means we will not become part of the City and not subject to taxation without representation.

When we vote NO on annexation, The Texas Annexation Right to Vote Act did include provisions in section 43.0117 for the City “to adopt and enforce an ordinance regulating the land use in the area in the manner recommended by the most recent joint land use study.”

At this time, nobody can tell us what this means.  However, I will personally be taking the lead on figuring out what the impact of this provision is to our community and communicate that in the coming month.  In the meantime, we will focus on getting the word out for the November 6th NO annexation vote!

We worked hard to pass the Texas Annexation Right to Vote Act.  Now we have to get out and vote NO on annexation!  What should you do today?




Click this map to see the area in GREEN to see who is subject to this vote.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v1QqDyBI63cIdaNCtbtRqBaJr5egWa1y/view?usp=sharing

We will need donations for flyers, signs, t-shirts and mailers.  There will also be lots of opportunities for block walkers.

Make sure your neighbors know to vote NO on annexation.  If you have friends and family in the proposed annexation area, make sure they get signed up at http://www.homeownersagainstannexation.com/ for updates.

The efforts of Homeowners Against Annexation, the community and YOU are the key to stopping annexation!

Sign up for updates at http://www.homeownersagainstannexation.com/

Click here to donate so we can challenge the $250,000 the City of San Antonio will spend on this election!



Sincerely,
MichaelPStewart_Signature.png
Michael “Mike” P. Stewart

President, Homeowners Against Annexation

Vote NO Annexation in November

Howdy neighbors!  Annexation is back in the news.  The City of San Antonio is meeting this week to put the annexation of our area on the November ballot.

We worked hard to pass the Texas Annexation Right to Vote Act.  Now we have to get out and vote NO on annexation!  What should you do today?


Homeowners Against Annexation anticipated the City of San Antonio would move forward with annexation and we have been working diligently behind the scenes to stop annexation.  The right to vote on whether you become part of the City of San Antonio and pay an additional 23% in property taxes was won because of YOU!

The efforts of Homeowners Against Annexation, the community and YOU are the key to stopping annexation!

The City of San Antonio City Council meets this Thursday, August 2nd at 9AM.  Come down to City Hall and tell the City Council you intend to vote NO annexation.

Sign up for updates at www.homeownersagainstannexation.com

Click here to donate to challenge the $250,000 the City of San Antonio has available for this election!

Sincerely,
MichaelPStewart_Signature.png
Michael “Mike” P. Stewart

President, Homeowners Against Annexation