10-09-1997 Charter Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Commission October 9, 1997 Page 3 Chair Montain indicated that the ballot Question as written seemed too vague; not tied strongly enough to the explanatory paragraph. He asked Mr. Ahrens if he perceived this as a problem. Mr. Ahrens stated that he did not. Ms. Turner stated her feeling that the tie between the Question and the explanation appearing above it should be much stronger. Chair Montain reiterated concern that if voters simply read the Question and not the paragraph above it, they would not make the connection between the two. Commissioner Bening suggested that if this issue passes,the possibility exists that it could be misconstrued as a blanket endorsement for future street improvements. Ms. Turner expressed concern that many might vote "no" based on such a misconception. Mr. Ahrens stated that he did not believe that would happen. Commissioner Sullivan asked why specific streets were not named in the Question. Mr. Ahrens indicated that perhaps such information was omitted in the interest of keeping the Question brief. Chair Montain clarified that the reconstruction in connection with this Question is intended for specific streets. Mr. Ahrens responded in the affirmative. Ms. Turner expressed frustration because the Charter Commission had so little input into the formalization of this Charter test. She also pointed out that the Commission was to handle the educational portion of this election issue, and added that the way it is written the Question is not representative of the Commission's intent. Commissioner Dunn suggested that the Charter Commission come forth at this time with a positive educational advertisement as a remedy to this situation. Chair Montain asked if a neighborhood meeting might have taken place had this been a Chapter 429 area, or would the only difference have been the 60-day waiting period. Mr. Ahrens responded that the main difference between Charter and Chapter 429 procedure is the 60-day waiting period preceding the vote. Chair Montain asked for Mr. Ahrens' feeling about the way this issue is being presented to the voters. Mr. Ahrens indicated that he reviewed the Question prior to publication and approved its content. He apologized for not presenting the proposed language to the Charter Commission prior to finalization. Commissioner Trehus asked if it is too late to change the Question. Mr. Ahrens indicated that it is too late to revise the language. Chair Montain asked the group for its feeling as to possible success or failure of this issue.