Tell the Tucson City Council: Do not refer proposed City Charter changes to the November 2010 ballot

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Pamela asked in a comment why this blog has not addressed the proposed charter changes to the City of Tucson Charter. Short answer, it is because the proposed changes have been the subject of much discussion and much division within the Pima County Democratic Party in recent weeks. I was waiting upon an official party position, but it appears that one is not forthcoming before this Agenda Item is set to be heard by the Tucson City Council this Tuesday, June 15 at Noon.

The Southern Arizona Leadership Council and Tucson Charter Change Coalition (TC3) are the proponents of these charter changes. I can only state my position: there are some proposed changes with which I fully agree and I have suggested myself. There are other proposed changes with which I vehemently disagree, in particular, vesting power in the City Manager for all hire and fire decisions, and holding city elections in even-numbered general election years, which would bury city elections at the bottom of the ballot and attract no media attention.

This is precisely what the Tucson Charter Change Coalition (TC3) is attempting to do this Tuesday. They want the Tucson City Council to approve their charter changes and refer them to the ballot this November (2010). I strongly urge you to contact your city council member to oppose this rush to judgment.

The Tucson City Charter changes should be referred to a study committee for further study and refinement to achieve a consensus, or if a consensus is not possible, referring competing proposals to the ballot in the usual city election cycle in 2011. The proposed City Charter changes should be fully vetted and receive adequate consideration from the voters and should reflect the informed consent of the voters. Remember, a City Charter is the equivalent of a constitution for city government. Constitutions (and city charters) are not to be modified willy-nilly on a whim. A mistake cannot be undone by simple legislative action. It requires the vote of the residents of Tucson, and the expense of an election. So let's get this right and try to come to some consensus, shall we? A consensus does not presently exist for the current proposals sought to be rushed through the Tucson City Council on Tuesday.

Here is a copy of the press release I received today:

Tucson Charter Change Coalition Seeks Referral from Mayor and Council

Organization Aims to Refer Recommendations to City of Tucson Voters in November

 

TUCSON, Ariz. (June 14, 2010) – A diverse group of community organizations and individuals dedicated to strengthening the City of Tucson’s governance structure is asking Mayor Robert Walkup and the City Council to refer charter change recommendations to voters.  

The Mayor and Council will consider Charter Change Coalition (TC3) recommendations at noon Tuesday, June 15 in the Council Chambers at Tucson City Hall, 255 W. Alameda Drive. The coalition expects a decision on a referral to the ballot Tuesday, June 22. 

Ron Shoopman, president of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, which initiated the TC3, said it is time to allow the voters to review and update the charter, which was enacted in 1929.

“We further believe the City of Tucson’s leadership needs these tools and structure to help our city reach its full potential,” he said. 

The coalition’s four proposed changes will be discussed in-depth during the session. The suggested changes include increasing the city manager’s ability to build an effective managerial team and strengthen the council’s ability to hold key staff accountable; indexing the mayor and council salaries to those of the Pima County Board of Supervisors; moving elections for mayor and council to even-numbered years, which be a cost savings and will increase voter turnout; and giving the mayor parity and an equal vote with city council members. 

If the Mayor and Council vote for a referral, City of Tucson voters should see the proposed changes on their November 2010 ballot. 

Previously, TC3 had considered other recommendations, including allowing the mayor and council to increase the number of wards. However, after listening to national experts on city governance and to local officials and citizens’ concerns, this proposal was among those that are not being recommended, according to Shoopman. 

“All input we’ve gathered in meetings over the past 11 months has been extremely valuable and helped us craft the best recommendations possible to submit to our city government,” he said. 

More than 150 people from organizations throughout the Tucson community have signed documents indicating their desire to be a coalition partner. Coalition partners represent a variety of organizations and interests, including business, nonprofit groups, environmental group and labor unions. 

For more information about the upcoming, public study sessions, visit www.TucsonCharterChange.org.

 

 

ABOUT THE TUCSON CHARTER CHANGE COALITION (TC3)

TC3 is a fast-growing coalition of community groups and individuals in Southern Arizona dedicated to strengthening the City of Tucson’s governance structure and positioning the city and its residents for prosperity and a higher quality of life. It is a diverse coalition, committed to an open and inclusive process. The creation of TC3 was initiated by the Southern Arizona Leadership Council. For more information, visit www.TucsonCharterChange.org or call (520) 327-7619.

 

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