Title
Public Hearing to Receive Comment Concerning the Resolution of Intent to amend the City Charter to Retain the Current Form of Government and to Change the Term of Office from Two to Four Years and to Submit This Plan to a Referendum
Body
Department: Executive
Council District: All
Public Hearing: Yes
Advertising Date/By: N/A
Contact 1 and Phone: Tom Carruthers, City Attorney, 373-2320
Contact 2 and Phone: Jennifer Schneier, Assistant City Attorney, 373-2320
PURPOSE:
On February 19, 2015, City Council adopted a Resolution of Intent to amend the City Charter to retain the current form of government and to change the term of office from two to four years and to submit this plan to a referendum. Pursuant to ?160A- 101 and 102, City Council shall now hold a public hearing and receive public comment on this plan. City Council will hear comments but will not take a vote at this meeting.
On February 4, 2015, Senate Bill 36 was filed and it proposes a City Council election system of one Council member from each of seven newly created voting districts, and one at-large Mayor with the Mayor having veto power. The system proposed by Senate Bill 36 is commonly referred to as the 7-1 system and would place the General Election on October 6, 2015. Comments regarding the merits of the current system and the proposed system shall also be heard at this public hearing.
BACKGROUND:
In 1983 the City of Greensboro adopted a City Council election system of one Council member elected from each of its five districts, three Council members elected at-large, and one Mayor elected at large. The system adopted in 1983 is commonly referred to as the 5-3-1 system. The City of Greensboro supports its current system because it ensures fair and equitable representation of all residents of the City.
City Council adopted a legislative agenda on January 20, 2015, which included extending the term of office for City Council members from two years to fo...
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