Detroit Charter Proposal To Appear On Nov. Ballot
DETROIT (WWJ) - This November, Detroiters will have an opportunity to vote on whether the city should adopt a new charter, approved this month by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder.
Detroit Charter Revision Commission Chair Jenice Mitchell Ford has handed over to the Detroit elections clerk the language that will appear on the November 8th ballot.
It reads,"Should the city of Detroit home rule charter, proposed by the Detroit Charter Revision Commission be adopted ... Yes, or No?"
The revised charter, according to Mitchell Ford, strikes a balance between answering citizens' calls to institute corrective measures to fight waste, abuse, fraud and corruption.
Speaking to WWJ Newsradio 950's Pat Sweeting, Mitchell Ford pointed out some of the changes.
"A one-year residency requirement for all elected officials ... you have to live in the city and in your district one year before you actually file your nominating petitions," said Mitchell Ford.
"Mandatory community meetings by the mayor, requiring the city to investigate the creation of an insurance system, which would provide automobile and/or property insurance for city residents to alleviate the burden of high insurance rates," she said.
The proposed new charter also addressed issues linked to jobs, growth of industry, and creating a more efficient government operation.
Special meetings will be held around the city to explain the proposed city charter, which is also available on the Charter Commission's web site at this link.
