DETROIT ELECTION REFORM UPDATE
Commission Report Triggers Ordinance Enactment Procedure
July 15, 2015
Tom Barrow, Pres. Citizens for Detroit’s Future
This note is intended to update YOU on the progress of the Citizens for Detroit’s Future (CFDF) election reform Initiative. First, we thank you for sharing our information and will continue to endeavor to keep you informed.
As president of CFDF, on Monday I attended the full Detroit City Council meeting where the Detroit Election Commission issued its “Report” that the CFDF petition had been successful in gathering sufficient signatures to trigger Section 12-107 of the Charter. This section covers the procedure to enact Ordinances by residents which have grown from a citizen’s Initiative.
Following the charter’s procedure in Section 12-107, the Council voted unanimously to both receive the Report and refer it and the Petition to the Council’s “Internal Operations Committee” (IOC). The IOC handles such matters and is a necessary proper step as part Section 12-107. While we have not seen the Report, it would seem that it should be dated May 28th which is what we have. Based on that date, Council would have 60 days to vote to enact the Ordinance.
Free and fair elections in Detroit!
Following the process, CFDF learned that the IOC committee is headed by Council Member Andre Spivey and includes Council Members George Cushingberry and Janeé Ayers. Council President Brenda Jones is an Ex-Officio member. The IOC WILL meet this morning at 10am on the 13th Floor of the Coleman A Young Building. It is open to the public.
The Committee is expected to discuss the CFDF Initiative but it remains unclear what to expect. The IOC has at least two options: 1) it could immediately report back to the full council with a recommendation to enact; 2) or it could set a date for a formal public hearing. As president of CFDF, I will attend the meeting and make myself available to Committee Members to answer questions and meet with folks who also attend.
Yours for a Better Detroit,
CITIZENS FOR DETROIT’S FUTURE
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