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Commissioner Nelson was in favor of continuing with the current system as long as it is working <br />well, but felt that the Mayor's term limits should be changed. He also felt that the ward system <br />would be inevitable as the City grew. <br /> <br />Commissioner Netzloff felt too that the current system is working but that the Mayor's term should <br />be extended to four years. He added that the City election should coincide with the National <br />elections. <br /> <br />Commissioner Slpain-Brist agreed that the Mayor's term should be lengthened to four years but <br />agreed with Commissioner Swokowski that some of these changes discussed will probably be <br />happening quicker than what is expected. She felt it necessary to continue to look at the possibility <br />of switching to a ward system. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen stated that he has gotten to be more of a proponent to change than when he <br />started. There is a cost factor for these people and not a good turnout of people voting for our <br />Council people. We have low numbers deciding who gets to be a Councilmember. That may <br />change if we went to a ward system. He felt that holding a primary first would cut down the <br />number of people running for office. If we do this in a way that plans for the future, we may not <br />have any amount of controversy. There is the practical problem of who gets the long term and <br />who gets the short term to carry into the presidential year. He suggested mail balloting as a way to <br />force people to exercise their rights and opportunities to vote. In reviewing tonights discussion, it <br />appears a four-year mayoral term is preferred. He felt that Council could make that decision <br />without a Charter change. He noted the number of Councils that have seven people on the board <br />and added that he was not necessarily in favor of adding more to Ramsey's Council. <br /> <br />Commissioner Donovan inquired of Mr. Deemer if he felt an increased filing fee would keep <br />people from running for election if they were serious about wanting to be on Council. <br /> <br />Mr. Deemer responded that $5 is not enough to deter people from anything. At what point? <br />Maybe $50 - $100 - however, he felt that was an unreasonable fee. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen inquired of Mr. Deemer what level of fee would have deterred him from <br />running for Council. <br /> <br />Mr. Deemer replied "probably over $50". <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen indicated a desire to continue this discussion on the next agenda. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder commented that if a ward system is entertained, maybe some thought should go into <br />what the wards would look like - all urban area or a blend of life style types, etc. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steft'en noted that <br />that. Hopkins was mentioned <br />blending of urban and rural. <br /> <br />some of the information supplied by Commissioner Kiefer looks at <br />and proportional representation. Race was also mentioned and a <br /> <br />Mr. Deemer commented that the last time there was a discussion at the Council level about wards, <br />etc. an argument ensued. He felt that if it becomes a consensus of the Charter Commission that the <br />City should be divided into wards, the Commission should draw lines so that each Councilmember <br />is in a different place. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen agreed that the Charter Commission would determine the ward lines. <br /> <br />Charter Commission/June 1, 1995 <br /> Page 3 of 6 <br /> <br /> <br />