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Macedonia voters to decide on city charter changes

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October 28, 2009

by Jeff Saunders

Reporter

Macedonia -- Voters will have an opportunity to decide if changes are needed on how city government operates, including reducing both the number of city councilors and the legislative powers of the mayor.

Three issues on the Nov. 3 ballot include four changes that an appointed charter review commission recommended after studying the city's charter for several months early this year. The charter, which sets forward the rules under which city government operates, requires such a commission every five years.

City Council voted in July to place the issues on the ballot.

A separate issue is a local liquor option in the city's Precinct A. Northfield Center, Northfield Village, Sagamore Hills and the Nordonia Hills School District do not have any issues on the ballot.

City issues include:

* Issue 21 would reduce the number of Councilors from six to five and eliminate the mayor's power to break tie votes. If approved, it would go into effect Jan. 1, 2014.

Council voted 4 to 2 in favor of placing the issue on the ballot. Arguments made in favor included a reduction in size of government, a clearer separation of the executive and legislative branches, and a reduction in the number of tie votes. It was also argued that the mayor would still have the some legislative powers, including presiding over Council meetings and the power to propose and veto legislation.

Arguments made against the issue include the need to maintain the mayor's strong influence over city affairs because he is a full-time administrator, a belief that there is nothing wrong with the current system and therefore there is no need to change it, and a concern that the passage of emergency legislation could be delayed. Another concern was a fear of increased factionalism because it would only take three Council members, rather than the current four, to form a block.

* Issue 22 would eliminate the right of police and fire chiefs to return to a lower rank if they are fired or resign.

* Issue 23 would change the title of "chief building official" to "building commissioner.

* Issue 24 will allow voters in the city's Precinct A to decide if Walmart in the Macedonia Commons shopping center will be allowed to sell wine and mixed beverages on Sundays.

E-mail: jsaunders@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3169




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