Kokomo, Indiana is facing a critical crisis that deeply concerns every resident. As a city, we are already in the 80th percentile for cancer rates, enduring a prolonged 5+ year severe drought with an increasingly low water table, and bearing the burden of two existing EPA Superfund sites. Yet, despite these alarming challenges, the Common Council and the mayor have neglected the voices of the citizens, opting to recklessly rezone a 750-acre plot northeast of Kokomo to High Industrial.

This decision was made without any genuine consideration or acknowledgment of public concerns with the exception of Democrat, Bob Stephenson. The citizens of Kokomo requested three essential concessions: a fair compromise, adequate time for councilors to conduct thorough research and gather citizen feedback, and protective measures to prevent a data center from occupying the space. Shockingly, these reasonable requests were not merely denied—they were completely disregarded.

It's important to highlight the devastating potential impacts of this blind annexation and rezoning. High Industrial zones are notorious for raising utility costs, an expense the citizens of Kokomo can ill afford given the already outrageous utility bills. Additionally, the move threatens to exacerbate pollution levels and endanger public health, exacerbating our city's already critical environmental challenges.

The course of action taken by the Common Council and the mayor is a stark betrayal of the public trust. Their decision not only undermines democratic principles but also jeopardizes the well-being of every individual residing in Kokomo. Therefore, we demand the removal of all board members who voted in favor of this hasty and irresponsible annexation and rezoning.

This issue affects each of us profoundly, and it's crucial that we stand united to hold our elected officials accountable. Sign this petition to send a clear message that the citizens of Kokomo refuse to be ignored. We deserve leadership that prioritizes our health, our environment, and our voices. Please join us in fighting for the future of Kokomo.