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The Herald & Review Archives
Herald & Review (Decatur, IL)
October 27, 2007
Section: News
Page: A1
Group seeks to replace manager
MIKE FRAZIER H&R Staff Writer
DECATUR - Voters in February will decide whether to change the form of Decatur city government. Judge A.G. Webber IV ruled Friday that two questions will be placed on the Feb. 5 general primary ballot: Shall the city of Decatur retain the manager form of municipal government? Shall the city of Decatur adopt the strong mayor form of municipal government? Members of Change Decatur, who are spearheading the effort to change the city’s form of government, are thrilled with the decision. "The voters of Decatur have a chance to change our future for the next 100 years, and we’re so excited that they’re going to be able to vote on this," said Steve Daniels, an organizer of Change Decatur. Change Decatur seeks to replace the city manager and council form of government with a strong mayor and aldermanic system. The city currently is served by the mayor and six council members, who are elected at large to represent the entire community. Under Change Decatur’s plan, the community would be divided into wards represented by 20 aldermen. The strong mayor would not vote on council issues. The change would eliminate the position of an unelected city manager and make the government more accountable to all residents, supporters say. The elected mayor would serve as the city’s chief executive officer, under Change Decatur’s plan. The group needed to collect about 670 signatures to get the issues on the ballot Webber ruled that the petitioners complied with election law by gathering the required number of signatures. "I want to thank everybody out there in the community who has helped chip in to get this on the ballot," said organizer Brian Burcham. Attorney Scott Rueter filed an objection Friday morning before the ruling on behalf of Decatur Realtor Carla Brinkoetter. In his objection, Rueter said submitting both questions to voters "would set up a possible legal paradox" if voters choose to retain the city manager form of government and also adopt a strong mayor form. Rueter also argued that the petition to adopt a strong mayor form of government should be placed on the ballot at the next general municipal election in April 2009. After the ruling, Rueter said his client possibly could appeal the Friday court decision. Organizers of Change Decatur say they will launch an education campaign about their effort to alter the city’s form of government. Keith Anderson, an organizer of Change Decatur, said signatures on the petitions represented a wide cross-section of the community. "We were fighting for the voiceless, we were fighting for the people who were concerned about representation," Anderson said. "To all our union workers, nonunion workers, our teachers, postal workers, everyone who signed the petition, from average Joe Six-pack to some upper-echelon people, thank you. "That’s what this is all about - the people." Mike Frazier can be reached at mfrazier@herald-review.com or 421-7985. The issue The latest: A judge rules two questions regarding a change in the city’s form of government will appear on the Feb. 5 primary ballot. What’s next: Attorney Scott Rueter possibly could appeal the decision on behalf of Decatur Realtor Carla Brinkoetter.
Copyright, 2007, Herald & Review, Decatur, IL
