The Council passed Ordinance Calendar No. 29,885, authored by Councilmember Clarkson, repealing Ordinance No. 25,622 M.C.S. and calling an election for Tuesday, November 4, 2014 for consideration of a proposal to amend the Home Rule Charter relative to inauguration dates for the Mayor and Council.
The proposed amendment to the Home Rule Charter sets the beginning of the terms of the Mayor and Councilmembers to the second Monday in January following their election. Representatives of the League of Women Voters appeared before the Council to express their support for the Charter amendment.
If a majority of the votes cast are in favor of the proposition, the amendment to the Home Rule Charter will take effect on June 1, 2018, after the 2018 inauguration occurs, and will apply to the 2022 inauguration.
Council President Clarkson said, "We highly commend the League of Women Voters for initiating a change in our election and inaugural dates in order to reduce cost and increase voter participation. Their leadership in the legislature and on behalf of our City makes this Council so very proud to work with them."