What is this year's charter amendment about?
Currently in the city of Thornton, when a City Council Member leaves their seat, the City Council interviews candidates and appoints a replacement by majority vote of the Council.
These appointees are required to reside in the Ward they aim to represent. However, they are not required to campaign, meet voters, know the issues important to the community, or have any experience relevant to city government. This isn't fair to the voters because we don't get a chance to meet, qualify, and choose our representative.
What can we change?
The City of Thornton can instead hold special elections in the event of a Council Member vacancy so that voters can democratically elect their own representative.
The special election method of filling Council vacancies (versus the appointment method) is practical, common, and the best way to preserve the people's right to vote for their representatives.
Why is this important?
Thornton voters have ousted three of four Council-appointed representatives in the last 10 years when allowed to elect their own representative in the following regular election.
The opposition to this Charter Amendment favors continuing the method of council-appointment to City Council vacancies, claiming it is more 'efficient' and 'cost effective' than a special election. This is technically true, but it's deceptive. Holding a special election would cost only 0.0001% of the City's annual budget, and vacancies are not very common.
Take Back Your Rights. Take Back Your Voice.
Vote YES on the Thornton City Charter Amendment.
“Shall Section 4.5(b) of the Thornton City Charter be amended to provide that when a vacancy in the office of Councilmember occurs, if more than one year is remaining in the term of office, such vacancy shall be filled by special election to be held within 120 days of the vacancy, but not within 90 days of a regular municipal election?