People in Erie will no longer be deciding the future of the city’s form of government when they vote in November.
City council Wednesday night, decided to delay a ballot question that will ask whether a change should be studied.
By unanimous vote, Erie City Council again moves the creation of a home rule charter study commission; this time from November to the spring primary.
They’re hoping the extra time will solve two issues. First, the idea that a commission would be stuck with an either-or choice, either the current form of government or a home rule charter.
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Dr Tyler Titus of Erie City Council said, “What we did was expand the definition so it gives the commission more of an opportunity to assess more available options, is what the goal was.”
The second issue is education for both voters and potential commission candidates.
With the process being something that could ultimately change the city of Erie’s form of government, making sure everyone is crystal clear about what’s at stake is the goal.
“I just think the community needs more time and we as a city council, as a city, need to do more education so people know what we’re asking them to process, what we’re asking them to assess,” Dr. Titus said.
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“We need to be sure we know what we’re doing with something like this. I think there needed to be more conversation, which there has been. So, now let’s take a look,” said Erie Mayor Joe Schember.
It’s the second time this question has been delayed. If voters do see it on their spring ballot and if they approve a commission, they would also be asked to elect nine members.
Education and the search for commission candidates were cited as the reasons when the question was delayed the first time earlier this year.