Timing of the Mayoral Election Key Topic at Commission Meet Thursday

The Charter Reform Task Force will again discuss the timing of the mayoral election on Thursday.

The task force is studying topics that the City Council could place on the ballot which could impact the City’s political structure.

Topics include term limits, the appointment process for City Council vacancies, and the timing of the mayoral election. Councilmembers and local residents have long sought parity in that process.

Currently, the mayor is elected on the same cycle as Councilmembers from Districts 1, 2, 4, and 6. In order to challenge the Mayor for the gavel in an election, those Councilmembers would have to resign their seats.

However, Councilmembers living in Districts 3, 5, and 7 are not elected during the same cycle and could run against the Mayor without being forced to resign their seats.

Last month, Task Force Chair Ken Chawkins stated that the group is struggling regarding a solution to the timing of the mayoral elections.

The Task Force has considered two solutions: a six-year term that would allow the Mayor to run at the same time as Councilmembers in 1, 2, 4, 6, and when the gavel comes up for re-election, it would coincide with elections for seats in 3, 5, and 7 bringing parity to the City Council and mayoral elections.

The other solution would be to move the mayoral elections to their own cycle, during which all Councilmembers would be able to run without giving up seats.

However, that would necessitate a special election that could cost at least $5 million to open vote centers, mail ballots to voters across the City, and staff the election.

“This one for me is the most vexing and you know the problem,” Chawkins said to the City Council. “The problem is some of you are on a cycle with the Mayor and some of you are not. The notion of giving somebody who is not on the cycle with the Mayor a free ride without giving up your seat, that’s a tough one.”

Chawkins told the City Council he had not really heard more alternatives.

“We’re struggling with that, I don’t mind telling you that,” Chawkins said.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Robinson Park Recreation Room, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave.