The Marvin Referendum Petition
Our Village Charter Shouldn't Change Without Our Vote!
MARVIN DESERVES THE OPPORTUNITY TO...
...PARTICIPATE in conversations over options
...CONTEMPLATE the impacts of any change
...CAST A VOTE in a citizen referendum
Our Village Charter Amid a Global Pandemic!
Without Providing a Citizen Referendum!
Yet, the Council Adopted Major Changes to
Sign the Petition to Take Back the Vote !
These Will Impact Our Village & Development
What the Petition is About?
Amendments to City Charters
> Citizens or Village Councils can initiate amendments to a City's Charter yet this is not something that is done lightly
> When a Council adopts amendments to a City Charter they do not immediately go into effect
> By law, the Council is required to give citizens notice, plus 30 days to submit a petition and signatures, if desired
> Because they're important, City Councils usually put Charter amendments to a referendum for a citizen vote
> In a search through N.C. city charter changes: we did not find any that were not subject to a citizen referendum.
> When a City Council refuses to provide a referendum citizens can implore one with a referendum petition
Charter Change Attemps in Marvin
The Council Was Fully Aware of Controversy Surrounding Charter Amendments
> In 2018, a record number of Marvin residents protested the Council's changes to the Marvin Charter
> In fact, over 800+ signatures were collected from registered Marvin voters; all petitioning for a referendum
> To appease citizens the Council promised any future changes would be subject to a referendum
> Both Mayor Pollino and Vandenberg knew Charter amendments without a referendum would be unpopular
> Despite this, they championed the same changes during the May 12 meeting, with little regard for citizens.
> Knowing the changes were controversial, it also seemed suspect to approve them during the pandemic shut-down
A City's Charter should never be amended to fulfill a political motive or a personal agenda - particularly without a voter's referendum
The Council Rushed to Adopt the Charter Changes Amid a Global Pandemic!
> Despite promises, the Council again adopted major City Charter changes without calling for a referendum
> They rushed to schedule the required public hearing, and the vote, in the middle of a global pandemic!
> The NC School of Government had recommended NC cities refrain from holding public hearings during the shut-down
> Despite the stay-at-home order, and sub-standard meeting equipment, the Council held the hearing anyway
> Holding a controversial vote knowing citizens were occupied with major life stresses seems disrespectful
> The justifications each member put forth were solely political and personal, none were in the public's interest
> Changing our Village City Charter, without a referendum, for purely political and personal reasons, is wrong
> The Council may have followed legal rules, but passing controversial items during difficult social times is insensitive
> The Council could have written the ordinance to include the typical citizens referendum but they refused.
> When a City Council refuses to hold a referendum, citizens can implore one with a referendum petition
What the Council Is Trying to Change
The Council's Charter Changes intend to:
1. Give the Mayor the Right to Vote on All Matters
2. Change the Village to a Manager-Council Government
These City Charter changes would have a lasting impact on development, governance and well-being. They should be undertaken thoughtfully and should be well-justified.
Referendum Petitions 2018 & 2020
> When a Council refuses to order a referendum for Charter changes, citizens can implore one with a referendum petition
> The Statutes which allow and regulate these processes are NCGS §160A-101 through NCGS §160A-104
> A referendum petition must be registered with the County Board of Elections and must abide by the statutory rules
> A minimum number of signatures, from registered voters are required, in ink, within 30 days of the City notice
> If enough signatures are collected, the Council MUST place the charter amendments on the ballot for the people's vote.
> This returns the right to vote on Charter Amendments, back into the hands of the people!
A referendum petition returns the right to vote on City Charter amendments back into the hands of the People!