Minutes - Charter Commission - 04/19/2001

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Case #2: Ward System Alena Hunter, 14628 Helium Street NW, Ramsey, stated she is representing a group of Ramsey citizens who want to see a ward system and a primary election implemented for our City Council. The population of Ramsey is fast approaching at least 50% of our citizens living in the MUSA, yet we do not have one member on our current Council who lives on land serviced by City sewer and water, or on an urban sized lot. As the City continues to grow and change, the need to have fair and equitable representation from and for all areas of our City becomes increasingly important for our residents. Although our Council is elected at large and charged with the task of representing all citizens, it is unlikely that someone who does not live in the urban area can speak to all of the needs of those residents. As the City Council increases to seven members with the 2002 election, we feel the time has come to implement a ward and primary system. We also know that the 2000 census has been completed, and we are facing a very small window of time when you can make this change. The Charter Commission has been discussing this for a long time and should be ready to finally act on it. We are asking you to make these positive changes for our residents as soon as possible. We would like to see them implemented with the change in the Council in 2002. Ms. Hunter continued. What we are asking you to do is strongly consider calling a special election to determine whether the citizens want to have a ward system in Ramsey. A ward system would give each resident fair and equal representation on the Council. It will also give residents a recognizable representative from the area they live in who can address any questions or concerns they have. We've developed a list of questions we would like to see on a special election ballot, and ask that you review these questions for discussion. We have also included a question related to the ward system, which would give the Charter Commission direction as to what type of system the citizens would like to see. In addition to the ward questions, we have included a question regarding the implementation of a primary election for our City Councilmembers. A large field of candidates in the general election does not allow the voter a good opportunity to understand the issues and differences. Since a primary election is already held for offices at the state level, this would allow Ramsey voters the opportunity to reduce the field to two candidates per Council seat. Having fewer candidates gives the voter a chance to completely examine what each person represents, and brings a more educated voter to the polls. Ms. Hunter further stated regarding the other questions we are asking be placed on a special election ballot, we know that certain members of the Council have suggested holding public hearings to find out what the citizens of Ramsey want regarding a Mississippi River bridge, as well as a Town Center. We agree that public hearings are a good idea, but feel that by placing these issues on a special election ballot, we would be giving citizens who are not able to attend special meetings another avenue for their opinions to be known. She stressed that everyone should have the chance to be heard. She stated she would like to read, for the benefit of everyone attending this evening, the questions proposed. We ask that you take this matter into serious consideration and make a decision soon. The questions were entitled Special Election Advisory Questions and are as follows: 1) Do you want a Mississippi River Bridge crossing west of Armstrong Boulevard? 2) Do you want a Town Center with restaurants, shopping and other amenities along the Highway 10 corridor that would bring character and identity to the City of Ramsey? 3) With the City Council increasing to seven members with the 2002 election, should Ramsey implement h Ward system? 4) If a ward system were implemented, which type would you choose? a) A 7-member Council with 5 members elected from designated wards, 1 Councilmember elected "at large" and the Mayor Charter Commission - April 19, 2001 Page 3 of 9