The meeting at the Salem Methodist Campground arbor was well attended by people from the Salem Community, Benton, and other proposed annexation areas. There was a sound system which helped a lot.

It was both an informative meeting and work meeting. People volunteered to cover different areas with flyers and telephone calls if possible. Everyone was encouraged to also spread the word to people they knew to help us to vote this down. There were maps, flyers with Salem concerns, and flyers for concerns of present Benton citizens as to why they shouldn't want us. Mr. Zurgot is making more yard signs.

We are going to try to now inform the citizens of Benton through signs and a connection to this web page as to how this annexation will hurt them.

We also learned the there will be a 6.5% fee for ALL utilities even the ones we have now that are not connected to the Benton utilities. This fee will apply to ALL Benton citizens if the annexation happens.

We were given some encouraging words from people outside of the area. If we can get the voters informed and get them out there to vote then we do have a good chance to beat this. Benton Aldermen White and Richards do not believe this annexation is best for Benton at this time.

We plan to continue informing the people of Benton about this issue. We need volunteers to call voters the night before the election and people to work the polls the day of the election.

It seemed to have been a helpful and encouraging meeting.

Shirl Plant

This was the second community meeting held at this location. The first informational meeting was the previous Saturday, July 5th where many residents expressed their questions and concerns. That meeting was the foundation for the Salem Community's campaign against annexation.