The Vancouver City Council is seeking volunteers to write pro and con statements about five proposed amendments to the city charter for inclusion in the Clark County Elections Office’s voters’ pamphlet.
The proposed charter amendments will be on the ballot in November’s general election.
The charter, which serves as the city’s constitution, is reviewed every five years by a committee of 15 residents who recommend potential changes to the City Council.
The 2014 Charter Review Committee recommended five charter changes, which the council voted to place on the Nov. 3 election ballot.
The proposed amendments are:
• Changing the requirements for a council member running for mayor at midterm.
• Revising how citizens can access the text of proposed ordinances.
• Updating the charter’s anti-discrimination language.
• Emphasizing the importance of boards and commissions.
• Simplifying the initiative process.
County election rules require the City Council to appoint committees of up to three people to write pro and con statements for the voters’ pamphlet. Statements are limited to 250 words each and must be finished by Aug. 13. To volunteer for a pro or con committee, contact Jan Bader at 360-487-8606 or jan.bader@cityofvancouver.us.
The complete text of the proposed charter review amendments is online at www.cityofvancouver.us/charterreview.
