Comments on: Town Board to take 1st step toward 4-year terms

By: Rick Short

Rick Short — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 16:12:44 +0000

I’ve posted a Facebook page to help get the ball rolling on having a referendum. Please forward info if interested.

Facebook: Let Davidson Vote
Twitter: @letdavidsonvote
Email: letdavidsonvote@gmail.com

By: Sandy Carnegie

Sandy Carnegie — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 21:38:44 +0000

Rodney you are absolutely right. The governing statutes are 160A-101 through 104. It sets forth a petition process that would force a referendum. It would require approximately 750 signatures (10 percent of the registered voters). I am just disappointed that this Board, with the Town administrator, has decided to take the vote away from the public.

By: Rodney Graham

Rodney Graham — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 16:28:51 +0000

As I’ve stated before on this subject, if commissioners want longer terms then just do a good job and get re-elected to multiple two-year terms.

Sandy, there is a referendum process and I am quite sure a number of concerned citizens will be joining forces to make sure this change is put to the voters.

By: Sandy Carnegie

Sandy Carnegie — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 22:36:23 +0000

I cannot believe the administration and the Board would take an action to amend the Town Charter without submitting it to the citizens by way of referendum. The quoted basis for a 4 year term is unsupported by fact. If the citizens believe you have done your job you don’t have to worry about re-election.

By: Andy Stevens

Andy Stevens — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:13:51 +0000

So it begins. Without much attention, the Town Board has set into motion a plan to reward themselves with 4 year terms and on the fast track, no less. Yes, they’ll approve it tomorrow night, and give the sleeping public 30 days or so to think about it before the “cursory” public meeting, after which they’ll ramrod it through on a vote another 30 days hence. One might wonder why they’re rushing to get this done by June. The less cynical would say its in order to prepare for filing for the November elections, which occur during the period 1-15 July 2011. Others might say its in order to beat the groundswell of public discontent that will arise when the 2012 Budget is finalized in the following two weeks of June – a Budget that is sure to include another couple of million dollars towards propping up the MI-Connection Cable sinkhole of debt. After all, the top 3 vote getters(all expected to be incumbents!) won’t have to face the voters in two more years, after another estimated $4-5 million dollars of hard-earned taxpayer cash is thrown into the black hole of Cable.
When this idea first surfaced earlier in the year, it generated only a comment or two from concerned citizens….hence its moving forward now. I have no doubt it will become a reality unless there is a strong, concerted outcry against this power grab by the elected. Remember, there will be no referendum by the voters for this change.
This is the most local, most direct representation a citizen has and we’re now being told its too onerous to have to run for office every two years or that it will save the taxpayers money. If this is the case, let’s all move to change the Constitution of the US itself to call for election of our Representatives every 4 years or longer as well.