Vote Yes On Charter Amendments - Issues 65 Through 72

There are eight issues on this November’s ballot related to amendments to the Lakewood City Charter. A thoughtful City Council, the Law Director, resident charter expert Dr. Larry Keller, a few talented outside resources, and I, helped draft these amendments.

I have had the great pleasure and challenge of working on charter issues for twelve years. It is my goal, along with the others, to make sure that our charter serves our city now, and into the future. As the highest body of law specific to Lakewood, the charter should guarantee our home rule, define our form of government, guard the city and citizens against jeopardy, be amendable for changes in culture, law, and technology, and very clearly express the expectations and will of the voters.

From a citizen’s perspective, I endorse a yes vote on these charter amendments.

The following is a brief overview of the issues as announced on the city website:

Issue 65: Whether the charter should be updated to affirm the city's ability to govern itself under home-rule authority given to municipalities by the Ohio constitution.

Issue 66: Whether certain judicial powers granted to the mayor should be removed from the charter.

Issue 67: Whether City Council should have the right to appoint acting and interim mayors from among Lakewood residents when the mayor's office is vacant.

Issue 68: Whether the language on when appointed councilmembers' terms expire should be clarified to eliminate confusion.

Issue 69: Whether the votes of appointed councilmembers should carry the same weight as those of elected councilmembers.

Issue 70: Whether City Council may adopt rules on where official city business is published, including physical locations and on the Internet.

Issue 71: Whether the charter should be clarified to ensure the city may use its home-rule authority to limit the duties imposed by state law on chief legal officers.

Issue 72: Whether improvements to the city sewer system may be funded by the same millage earmarked for other public improvements such as wastewater treatment, streets, buildings and parks.

The Lakewood law department has prepared a citizens' guide explaining the charter changes and showing the language to be modified. The guide is available in the City Council office and may be viewed on the city's website by going to http://www.onelakewood.com/pdf/2011_CharterChanges_CitizensGuide.pdf

The entire charter may be viewed at this link. http://www.onelakewood.com/CityCouncil/CityCharter.aspx