Citizens Oak Ridge

Citizens' Petition Weighs In at 3,632

Press Release
March 13, 2007

Oak Ridge Citizens Win Right to Referendum on City Shopping Center Subsidy

Citizens Oak Ridge delivered its second and final installment of petitions Tuesday to require a referendum on the City's planned bond issue for a new shopping center on Pine Ridge. The final count of 3,632 signatures was 80% more than the 1,942 required for a referendum, based on the number of registered voters in the city as of February 20th. That puts the petition count only 300 people less than the total number of voters in the last city election.

Citizens Oak Ridge is a newly formed group supporting sound government decision-making, and has organized the all volunteer petition drive. Bill Schramm, the group president, said that people were eager to work for the drive and to give their signatures, but the volunteers were not able to get to everyone in the time available. "We apologize for not being able to reach everybody and every street – there were limited non-business daylight hours when volunteers could get signatures in the 20 day period."

"The volunteers were amazing," Schramm said. "People felt strongly about the need to have more of a say in this decision." Schramm said that common concerns were the fast-tracking of a major public expenditure, the manner in which the City has approached the project, the viability of the project itself, and concern about the effects on the mall and surrounding area. "There is a deep distrust of the City's handling of real estate decisions and an outpouring of demand for reform in the City's approach," Schramm observed. "From every corner of the city and walk of life, people are deeply frustrated and feel disrespected in the handling of the issue."

Schramm personally sees a great deal of hope in the current situation: "Citizens have vital perspective to offer in considering decisions with long term implications. While it may feel like a negative to officials to have citizens who want to be involved, it shows a level of dedication and engagement that is an asset to the city. The city's prospects can be improved by honestly vetting and addressing shortcomings and oversights on major public decisions – and any project that wants substantial public resources is by definition a public project."

Citizens Oak Ridge will host an open house Tuesday, March 20th from 7 to 9pm at the Midtown Community Center to thank volunteers and the community for their efforts, and to give the many supporters the opportunity to gather and talk. Formerly the Wildcat Den, the center is located at 102 Robertsville Road and the Oak Ridge Turnpike. For more information, contact 220-0829 or visit www.citizensoakridge.com.

For Further Information, Contact:
Bill Schramm, President
Citizens Oak Ridge
220-0829
www.citizensoakridge.com