Historical report, published from archived WKRG coverage.
Days before Mobile’s Oct. 7, 2008, annexation referendum, an archived WKRG report described criticism of the city’s promotion of the proposal in one of the targeted areas.
The report said postcards promoted a free Saturday trash-collection event for residents in a proposed annexation zone. Critics questioned the use of city tax dollars and city workers for the event, arguing that it was intended to influence the vote. Bobbie Graham, a Moffett Road resident quoted by WKRG, said she planned to vote against annexation.
The mayor’s office declined an on-camera interview but maintained that the effort was legal. Spokesperson Barbara Drummond said trash collection was a service not provided to residents of the proposed annexed area and that the event was meant to help educate them about the service. The report also noted prior criticism over city crews working at private property associated with a Theodore event encouraging residents to vote.
These were claims and responses reported at the time, not findings by South Alabama News. The account does not address the referendum’s later result.