Charter Election
The City Council had two public hearings on the recommended amendments (July 14, July 28). On Aug. 11, the Council called for a Charter election to be held on Nov. 3.
Proposed Charter Amendments
| Proposition A: | 3 Year Terms/Places |
| Proposition B: | Appointment of Mayor by City Council |
| Proposition C: | Filling Vacancy by Appointment |
| Proposition D: | Flexibility in General Election Date |
| Proposition E: | Flexibility in Polling Locations |
Proposition A
Proposition A would change City Council terms from 2 to 3 years, which would require future City Council elections to change from completely at-large to an at-large places format. The places format determines elections by a majority vote (>50%) rather than the current plurality requirement (top vote getters).
Pros
Pros
Proposition C
If Proposition A passes, the Charter would need to address how vacancies in office are filled when there are 12 months or less remaining on an unexpired term. Proposition C would direct City Council to fill the position by appointment rather than calling a special election.
Proposition D
Proposition D allows the City Council the flexibility to change to a November election (or another uniform election date) should state law allow such a change in the future. Date cannot be changed more than once every five years.
Proposition E
Allows flexibility in the City's polling location.
Charter Committee Members - Longer terms for councilmembers allowing for continuity.
- More stable process, 2-3 positions open each year, rather than 3-4 positions, which puts majority of City Council up for election every other year.
- Places would allow candidates to run against a specific incumbent rather than potentially running against multiple incumbents.
- Places may lead to negative campaigning.
- Could increase election costs if a run-off election was necessary.
Proposition B
Proposition B would change the direct election of the mayor to appointment of the mayor by the City Council. Appointment of the mayor would be for 1 year compared to 2-year terms under the current at-large format or 3-year terms under the places format (Proposition A).Pros
- Safeguards against an inexperienced person being mayor.
- Appointee will be aware of required time commitment for the mayor position.
- May lead to greater involvement by Council, since it is only a 1-year commitment.
- Public may feel less in control because it cannot directly elect the mayor.
Proposition C
If Proposition A passes, the Charter would need to address how vacancies in office are filled when there are 12 months or less remaining on an unexpired term. Proposition C would direct City Council to fill the position by appointment rather than calling a special election.
Proposition D
Proposition D allows the City Council the flexibility to change to a November election (or another uniform election date) should state law allow such a change in the future. Date cannot be changed more than once every five years.
Proposition E
Allows flexibility in the City's polling location.
- Dave Covington (Chair)
- Alton McCallum (Vice Chair)
- Brett Baggerly
- Brandon Bozon
- Daniel Bucher
- Jane Dominguez
- Dan Kirkley
- David K. Leigh
- Craig Pearson
- Jeannie Pittman