This statement was read by Chris Nash, owner of Century 21 Integrity Group, and member of the City of Jefferson Plan Commission, at the January 3, 2006 meeting of the Common Council. (Words in blue were in the written version but not the spoken version.)

- John Foust, goJefferson.com Webmaster

First, I would like to commend the City Council and your efforts to stop the attempt of a few individuals to prevent the annexation, for the lack of a better word, "The Wal-Mart Property". The public is now aware of who, "The Citizens for a Better Jefferson" are and know what your motives are. Although you would like us to believe that, this direct legislation is in the best interest of our community, It's far from encouraging growth, in a community that is in desperate need of more than residential, but commercial and industrial development as well. Let's call this legislation what it is, it is nothing more than an attempt to delay the process until the spring election, when those opposed to the south side annexation are hoping to elect one of their candidates to sway the vote back to denying the annexation.

Those individuals that are behind this direct legislation should be ashamed of themselves. Unfortunately for the citizens of Jefferson this group's policy of "Scorched Earth" has gone beyond the "Wal-Mart Issue", this is why I felt compelled to speak this evening. This is now affecting a company that has been in this community for over one hundred years, employs over 350 people and over the course of its history helped tens of thousands of developmentally handicapped individuals. St. Colettas of Wisconsin is questioning their legitimacy in Jefferson. My question to "The Citizens of a Better Jefferson" and its leadership the Lorbecki's, the owners of Piggly Wiggly is this; is there nothing that you will do or anyone you harm in your quest to stop Wal-Mart? Trust me the community has taken notice.

Finally, to the members of the City Council I urge to let this legislation run its planned course, through the court system and this put an end to this public perception that Jefferson is a backward community once and for all.