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Friday, November 16, 2007 12:28 AM CST

Chamber of Commerce takes Change Decatur ballot challenge to appellate court

DECATUR - The Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce plans to speed up its appeal of a court decision that would allow voters to decide in February whether to change the form of Decatur city government.

The Chamber board of directors disputes the legality of the ballot propositions and says voters could be confused by the ballot questions.

Judge A.G. Webber IV ruled last month that two questions will be placed on the Feb. 5 primary ballot:

n Shall the city of Decatur retain the manager form of municipal government?

n Shall the city of Decatur adopt the strong mayor form of municipal government?

The Chamber today will withdraw its motion for Webber to reconsider his decision. The appeal was scheduled for Nov. 29.

Instead, the Chamber will ask the Fourth District Illinois Appellate Court to hear an "expedited" appeal of Webber's decision.

Postponing Webber's reconsideration until the end of November could slow down the preparation of early ballots, which are sent to military personnel, among other voters. Delays could prevent absentee votes from being counted in the election, the Chamber news release stated.

"It is certainly our hope that this issue can be solved in time to allow our men and women serving in the armed forces to cast their vote in this election," Chamber President Jeff Hendricks said.

The Chamber voted recently to hire an attorney to appeal Webber's decision to place the questions on the February ballot.

But the Chamber "has not taken a position regarding any change in Decatur's form of government," according to a news release.

Supporters of changing the form of Decatur city government remain confident that they are on solid legal ground.

"We're back, we're back right, and I have absolutely zero concerns," said Brian Burcham, an organizer of Change Decatur. "We did everything according to the letter of the law."

Change Decatur organizer Steve Daniels said the group will "vigorously" defend citizens' rights to vote on this issue.

"I think it's wonderful that the Chamber is showing sensitivity to the voters," Daniels said.

Mike Frazier can be reached at mfrazier@herald-review.com or 421-7985.

 

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