This week, our Stockton Landmark District Q&A is devoted to debunking some common misconceptions and misinformation that seems to be swirling about concerning Amendment 3. Amendments are confusing in general and while ours is short, some folks may find it hard to believe it is as straightforward as it seems. Things like that just don't happen in politics. Where's the catch you ask? Guess what, there is no catch! Really, there isn't. And here's why:
-NO effects on taxes- Amendment 3 has absolutely NOTHING to do with money or taxes. Absolutely nothing.
-NO zoning or restrictions on land use- This is important to understand. Many people are familiar with other historic districts that impose restrictions and limit property owner rights. The Stockton Landmark District does NOT do this. You can paint your house any color you want, you can buy and sell property as you see fit. No board or any other governing body will oversee the District. Absolutely NOTHING about our lives and property in Stockton changes. Absolutely nothing.
-Stockton CAN be annexed or re-incorporated in the future. Amendment 3 does NOT permanently prevent annexation by another municipality. It simply gives Stockton's residents the right to vote on annexation, re-incorporation, or keeping things just like they are. Amendment 3 draws a barrier of protection around Stockton and prevents our residents from waking up one morning and learning that Stockton no longer exists. This scenario can happen without this legislation in place.
-Amendment 3 does NOT affect anyone or any place in Alabama except for Stockton and it has NO impact on our way of life in Stockton, it just protects it. It asks nothing of our residents and places no restrictions on them. It just gives us the long treasured right to vote. That's it! No strings attached. No bait and switch.
If you have any questions or concerns about Amendment 3, please do not hesitate to comment below or email us at stocktonlandmarkdistrict@gmail.com. The last thing we want is a misinformed voter to vote "no" when they would have voted "yes" had they had all the facts. Thanks for sharing this post with others! It's an important one.