Anderson has a new mayor following Tuesday night’s annual reorganization. Susie Baugh will lead the council for the next year, while Baron Browning will serve as vice mayor. Both were already council members.
In its first decision of the year, the council voted to table a request by those in favor of proposed 51st state known as Jefferson. They were asking the council to throw their support behind the movement.
Jefferson supporter Sylvia Milligan presented a petition she says contained the signatures of more than 70 local business owners and 2,000 Anderson residents who support Jefferson.
Modoc, Siskiyou, Tehama, Glenn, Sutter and Yuba counties have voiced support of the 51st state in one way or another, but supporters are also looking for municipalities to get on board
“Because of their expertise and their ability we want them to sit at the table to help make these decisions over who gets what and how much interest we're going to pay and what's going to be our share,” she said.
But a few members of the group Keep it California were also in attendance. Sue Gallagher says she hears the frustration of the Jefferson supporters, but splitting the state isn't the answer.
“We oppose the State of Jefferson,” she said. “We think their finances are very, very misleading and not based on fact. We understand the frustration and the other part, let’s start to get their attention.”
Last year the Shasta County Board of Supervisors voted against the State of Jefferson, and the City of Redding decided to not even hear the presentation. Supporters are marching on Sacramento today to deliver petitions.
