Allison races in

Published 12:00 am Thursday, May 7, 2009

Allison races in
The citizen revolt that is challenging the state’s involuntary annexation law gained a high-profile advocate this week when former NASCAR racer Donnie Allison joined a protest in Raleigh.
If the League of Municipalities wished this movement would run out of gas, Allison dashed those hopes by pulling on a red “No Forced Annexation” t-shirt and demonstrating along with hordes of others, including about 70 from Rowan County. They now have a local star.
For that, the municipalities of North Carolina can thank Salisbury, whose over-reaching annexation proposal last year stirred intense opposition and galvanized anti-annexation forces. Allison’s home was in the targeted area, hence his involvement in the fight.
Even after the city dropped it, Salisbury’s overly ambitious plan continues to backfire รณ locally and statewide.