The question on whether voters want to change the current antiquated City Charter was expected to go before voters in the final election November 7th; however, the issue on whether that will happen is currently in limbo. While the ballot question language has been completed and approved by the State Attorney General’s Office, City Councilor Steven Camara has some reservation with how the question now reads. Not only does Camara want to see the question and its summary appear on the ballot – the summary is required by state law – he also wants language added that would explain the pros and cons on what the “Yes” or “No” vote would mean for city residents. The pros and cons explanation is not required by state law, according to the City’s Corporation Counsel Joe Macy. He tells FRC Media News, that the final decision comes down to his interpretation of the law as it relates to municipal matters. While he hasn’t yet made a determination, Macy says he will have the answer by the next City Council Finance Subcommittee meeting scheduled for mid-September.
Fall River Charter Commission Board Chairperson Mike Miozza has said all along that residents would be voting on the question as a package; they would not be afforded the luxury to vote on only the changes they want. The City Council decision to refer Camara’s concerns to the Finance Committee holds up the process in that Board of Election Chairwoman Liz Camara cannot get a quote for the cost of the ballots without knowing how much room will be needed if new language is added. Meanwhile…Liz Camara expects to order fifty thousand ballots for the upcoming election which she says will cover the amount of residents who are registered voters.
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