Red River Sand

Do you support Louisiana firm’s planned mining operation in Southwest Arkansas?

Acompany called Performance Proppants, which is based in Bossier City, La., plans to mine and haul sand from the west bank of the Red River near Doddridge, Ark., for use in oil fracking operations elsewhere.

The company expects to have about 200 trucks on the road picking up sand daily.

This has some residents concerned about traffic, and about possible long-term environmental damage to the area and water. The company says every highway safety precaution will be taken and that the operation is not a threat to the environment. The operation will bring more than 35 well-paying jobs to the area and will benefit Miller County through property taxes.

We want to know what you think. Do you support plans to mine sand from the Red River? Are do you have environmental or other concerns? Or is it a necessary part of a county’s growth process?

Send your response (50 words maximum) to opinion@texarkanagazette.com by Wednesday, Aug. 1. You can also mail your response to the Texarkana Gazette Friday Poll at P.O. Box 621, Texarkana, TX 75504, or drop it off at our office, 101 E. Broad St., Texarkana, Ark. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number. We will print as many responses as we can in next Friday’s paper.

Last Week: Annexation?

Last week’s question was about annexation. Is it right for the city to annex property against the owner’s will? Or is it a necessary part of a city’s growth process?

I know why cities want to take in new properties, it’s the money, and that’s okay. That’s how the city survives. The question is “should the city take properties of serious reluctant property owners.” I’m talking about people who are very upset. Maybe the city should advise them, we will hold off for 5 yrs, then its gonna’ happen … period.—B.J., Texarkana, Texas

The man had it right when he called it Communism. They will not get to vote whether to get taxed or not.—J.L., Hooks, Texas

Annexation should be a sign of a growing city. There has been no proof that there is a specific growth plan in place. Taxes start immediately upon annexation yet water can take forever to get. No water, NO annexation.—D.P., Texarkana, Texas

Bullying is what the Texarkana, Texas, City Council is doing by annexing property that should remain the same or become part of Red Lick. They should take care of very noticeable concerns to residents and those that come from far and wide for shopping and medication requirements. —B.B., Texarkana, Texas

From Texarkana Gazette’s Facebook page

If the people wanted to live in the city they would, but they don’t. It is a money grab plain and simple. City Council members who think that this is a good idea should be voted out.

It should be left up to the residents in those areas.

This is essentially “taxation without representation.” The residents did not vote for annexation, and therefore, did not vote to assume the taxes that come with being a city resident.

This should be left up to the residents in that area.

The overwhelming majority of these people don’t want it. I say no. I currently live in one of these areas and know that it will change the way of life for a lot of people. We have been content without “city services” that amount to nothing anyway. All this is about, without a doubt, is tax money. These are just my thoughts.

It is not right at all. If they wanted to live in the city, they would be living IN the city limits. Annexing without resident’s approval is in a sense, stealing away these people’s rights to their own property by telling someone what they can and can’t do with it if they are part of the city… very dirty to do people that way.

My neighborhood was annexed into the city several years ago. Conveniently it didn’t happen until the residents had all paid out of their own pocket to get city sewer. Oh and we didn’t get a choice.

My property was annexed on the ark side many years ago and though I have since moved from there, I did not c one benefit at all from it except higher school taxes!

Nay—It’s never good to go against the people’s wishes!

No it’s not right, we live outside the city limits for many reasons and we are against this annexation.

The city needs to make it more appealing to be a part of it instead of a hindrence.

NO.

Wrong!

For the people, and by the people. It is not “for the government, and by the government.”