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RAMSEY COUNTY CHARTER COMMISSION 356 COURT HOUSE 15 WEST KELLOGG Bot-LEVARD SAINT PAUL, 1%ur:vEsoTA 55102 298-4111 This is the first home rule charter ever written for a county in the history of Minnesota. Some cities have home, rule charters; they serve as a constitutional blueprint and allow more decisions to be made at the local level by elected officials. This is the first time the State Legislature has allowed a county to draft a charter, and the voters will decide on adopting this county constitution at the November 6, 1990 general election. Vhat vill the Charter change? 1. It will give the people the power to pass ordinances by Initiative, to vote on existing ordinances by Referendum, and to Recall irresponsible elected officials. A valid petition for these actions requires a specified percentage of the voters to sign the petition; currently this number in Ramsey County would be 23,500; 2. It provides for professional management which will lead to greater efficiency and effective use of county resources. Currently, the professional form of management can be changed by a vote of four county board members; 3. It gives limited bonding authority with increased citizen participation through public hearings; 4. It provides for more direct citizen participation in decisions regarding park land transfers; 5. It requires coordination of county activities with local units of government but does not change any powers local governments currently have; and 6. It allows the voters to change and amend the Charter to reflect changing needs in our society. The Charter recognizes that many things are working well in the county and has included these in the charter framework. In addition, some things will not change. Vhat vill not change? 1. County Commissioners will be elected by districts for staggered terms; 2. - The Sheriff and County Attorney will continue to be elected positions;