GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A Gwinnett County judge will hear arguments on Thursday over whether the City of Mulberry referendum should move forward.
"I don't want the people that are voting thinking that they're going to get one thing — a city that cannot levy a property tax — and in reality, they're getting something else," said Steve Hughes, who filed the lawsuit. "I didn't ask to be included in the city.
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Hughes wants his part of Gwinnett County to remain unincorporated. Plus, he feels the proposed charter would raise several constitutional questions.
"The best case scenario, for me, would be that the judge would rule the charter unconstitutional and would stay the election until a new charter can be presented," he said, adding that he's not opposed to a vote. "If you're going to have a vote, let that be with a charter that it conforms to the constitution of the state of Georgia."
Supporters of Mulberry, like Lindsay Paul, feel strongly that the referendum should move forward as planned.
"Those of us that live out here, we realize that there's been a massive growth that's happened out here," she said. "I think it's important that our tax dollars are utilized in the proper manner, and that hasn't been done to date yet."
She hopes the judge will dismiss this lawsuit so Mulberry can become a reality.
"I actually do take offense to them trying to suppress the voters when we have actually utilized and petitioned our government for relief," Paul said. "I hope everybody gets out and votes on May 21st, and we get this pushed through, and we are able to save our community and make sure that we determine what the character is for our area."
The emergency hearing is set for 2:30 p.m. on Thursday in Gwinnett County. The referendum is currently on the May 21 ballot.