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RAMSEY COUNTY CHARTER COAINUSSION <br /> 356 COURT HoU9E <br /> 15 WEST KELIA)GG Boui.EVARD <br /> SAINT PAUL, AIINNEBOTA 55102 <br /> 298-4111 - <br /> This is the first home rule charter ever written for a county in the _ <br /> history of Minnesota. Some cities have home rule charters; they serve <br /> as a constitutional blueprint and allow more decisions to be made at the <br /> local level by elected officials. This is the first time the State <br /> Legislature has allowed a county to draft a charter, and the voters will <br /> decide on adopting this county constitution at the November 6, 1990 <br /> general election. <br /> What will the Charter change? <br /> 1. It will give the people the power to pass ordinances <br /> by Initiative, to vote on existing ordinances by <br /> Referendum, and to Recall irresponsible elected <br /> officials. A valid petition for these actions <br /> requires a specified percentage of the voters to sign <br /> the petition; currently this number in Ramsey County <br /> • would be 23;500; <br /> 2. It provides for professional management which will <br /> lead to greater efficiency and effective use of county <br /> resources. Currently, the professional form of <br /> management can be changed by a vote of four county <br /> board members; <br /> 3. It gives limited bonding authority with increased <br /> citizen participation through public hearings; <br /> 4. It provides for more direct citizen participation in <br /> decisions regarding park land transfers; <br /> 5. It requires coordination of county activities with <br /> local units of government but does not change any <br /> powers local governments currently have; and <br /> 6. It allows the voters to change and amend the Charter <br /> to reflect changing needs in our society. <br /> The Charter recognizes that many things are working well in the county <br /> and has included these in the charter framework. In addition, some <br /> things will not change. <br /> What will not change? <br /> • 1. County Commissioners will be elected by districts for <br /> staggered terms; <br /> 2. The Sheriff and County Attorney will continue to be - - <br /> elected positions; <br /> .�a <br />