Missouri counties fight back

Intro: Missouri counties say they are ready fight back against a bill which diminishes county authorities. Fanna (Fawna) Haile-Selassie (HIGH-lay-sel-LAH-say) has more from the Capitol RunTime:
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The Missouri association of Counties and the County Commissioners Association of Missouri said they are supporting legislation to overturn a new law.

The law was set in May when the Governor signed a bill after language was inserted which essentially lets a single landowner make his property and independent village.

Dave Coonrod is the presiding commissioner for the for the County Commissioners of Missouri.

He says this law makes county local government unnecessary.

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Description: If we can represent our local constituencies, then you have to wonder what is the reason even having city boards of aldermen, city councils, or county commissioners.

The two associations are supporting representative Dennis Wood and senator Jack Goodman when they produce bills overturning the new law next legislative session.

From the state Capitol, Fanna Haile-Selassie, KMOX News

Intro: Missouri Counties are supporting two legislators adamant in overturning a law which eradicates some county authority. Fanna (FAWNA) Haile-Selassie (HIGH-lay-sel-LAH-say) has more from the Capitol. RunTime:
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The Missouri Association of Counties and the County Commissioners Association of Missouri unofficially announced their support for Missouri lawmakers.

The Associations say these two are ready to overturn a new law that allows a developer to convert his land to a villageindependent from the county.

Dave Coonrod is the president of the County Commissioners Association.

He is also from Green County, which hasn't seen an effect of the bill, but Coonrod said the effect is coming.

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Description: We know this is an significant preemptive measure the state legislature has pushed through, and we know what it entails if we don't have a say.

Coonrod said the associations will submit a formal declaration of their support in November after their next meeting.

From the state Capitol, Fanna Haile-Selassie, KMOX News

Intro: Former house minority leader said he disapproves of lawmakers' special interests outweighing the public good RunTime:
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Former house minority leader Jeff Harris spoke out against the last minute insertion of language on a bill.

The language allows landowners to petition their land to become a village.

Some lawmakers are accusing Former house speaker Rod Jetton of adding the section as a boon to a friend.

Harris said he does not agree with this kind of politics, but he is not surprised.

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Description: If in fact, Speaker Jetton did a favor for a wealthy, private, special interest, I'm not surprised at all. Because as I said, private interest, special interest have been rewarded at the expense of the general public.

Jetton continues to avoid making a statement regarding his implication with the bill.

From the state Capitol, Fanna Haile-Selassie, KMOX News