DAPHNE, Ala.— During a public hearing regarding sharing of tax revenue between the city and New Horizons Retail Developments Tuesday evening, citizens spoke in favor of the development, and others urged the council not to “prostitute” the city any further.

Joe Davis of Daphne asked the city council to use or implement a new business and development checklist — and for the public to be well informed of the process.

“If you have a business-development checklist, you need to share it with each other and maybe with the public. If you don’t, you ought to get one … I think the citizens will feel more comfortable if they know that you are going through the deliberation to touch all of these bases. Things like who the players are, what are the wants and expectations, are there demands…” Davis said.

Chester McConnell, of Daphne, said he believed developers shouldn’t receive special treatment.

Frieda Romanchuck, of Daphne, was particularly passionate.

“…I implore those in the city government and any elected officials who favor cluttering I-10 with telescoping signs and giving away our sales tax money to not prostitute the city of Daphne any further,” she said.

See the full report in the July 8 The Bulletin.