Laserfiche WebLink
Chairperson Steffen brought up mail voting. "It seems the idea of mail voting is honesf'. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder mentioned he had the opportunity to vote by mail in the last election but <br />went to the polling place anyway. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kiefer suggested that whenever you have a change like that, you are less <br />trusting of the process. <br /> <br />Commissioner Donovan felt that the Charter Commission is "out further" than we need to <br />be at this point; however, the Commission is trying to react. He suggested that the present <br />system is working and that it should be left as is. "We should react to problems as they <br />arise. If we do go to a ward system, we are more "proactive" and then we would need to <br />change our "philosophy". Regarding a primary - Commissioner Donovan felt it will place <br />a big burden to double campaign. He also felt we do not have too many people who file as <br />a lark right now. With regard to the Mayor's term - he felt it should definitely be four years <br />and it should come up in the Presidential election. He suggested the only argument against <br />a four year term may be from the candidates in that they may feel four years is too much of <br />a commitment. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen pointed out that another argument against it may be that the term is too <br />long if it tums out that the Mayor is not a good one. He added that he is in favor of a four- <br />year Mayor term. He also stated that he would like to try a ward system but he has not <br />seen a need to go that route as yet. He added that he also does not know how to "back off" <br />if the ward system does not work. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kiefer suggested if the Charter Commission is seriously contemplating a <br />change, he would lean more toward a transitional change such as a combination Council. <br />He felt there is no need for a primary at this time. <br /> <br />Commissioner Spain-Brist favored the at large system as is but added that with the growth <br />of the City, we may see a need to phase in a combination or ward Council. She felt that a <br />primary is not needed yet either. She agreed that the Mayor's term should definitely be <br />four years. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kiefer explained that he is "on the fence" with regard to the Mayor's term <br />because of the fact that a "bad" one may be voted in. <br /> <br />Commissioner Netzloff expressed agreement with a four-year Mayor's term. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen inquired if the Commission is interested in taking any action tonight on <br />the issue of the Mayor's term or if they would prefer to wait when more Commission <br />members are present. <br /> <br />Motion by Commissioner Donovan and seconded by Commissioner Netzloff to table action <br />on the ward versus at large decision and also on the primary versus no primary and to <br />direct staff to prepare an ordinance which would create a four-year Mayor's term for the <br />Charter Commission consideration at their January meeting. <br /> <br />Further discussion: Chairperson Steffen inquired if the feeling was that Council would <br />vote in favor of this as the Charter would appreciate this not having to go to a referendum. <br />Commissioner Donovan clarified that this is not an endorsement of the current mayor - the <br />Charter Commission feels this is for the good of the City. Chairperson Steffen stated he <br />does not see it as something that should be seen as an endorsement or criticism of our <br /> <br />Charter Commission/November 30, 1995 <br /> Page 4 of 6 <br /> <br /> <br />