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Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Balfour’s words
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sen. Don Balfour (R-Snellville) has written an explanation as to why he plans to host a community meeting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Snellville City Hall to discuss that town’s city council.
Here it is:
In recent weeks, I have received numerous emails and phone calls about a situation best described as “city council gridlock” in Snellville. Many residents and voters living in one of Gwinnett’s largest cities tell me they are dissatisfied with the institutional gridlock in Snellville and how the community’s needs are being addressed.
In 2004, the legislature changed the city charter to allow the mayor to vote on all issues before the city council. The problem that it created was that with this additional vote, there became six voting members on any given issue.
The fact that this change resulted in an even number of elected officials voting on proposals has resulted in regular three to three votes. It has meant gridlock and for the city. Of the 14 cities in Gwinnett, 12 have an odd number of voting members. Because of this structure, these cities seem to run with much less confrontation or gridlock.
As a result of having so many people contact me, I have agreed to help host a community meeting at the Snellville City Hall this Thursday, February 19th, from 7:30 to 8:30 PM, sharp.
The purpose of the meeting will be to find solutions to the situation to make the city government more effective. It’s past time to find those solutions.
Every single Snellville resident is invited. This is designed to be a positive meeting for all residents, not a forum for arguing or debate. We will explore options including, but not limited to, adding one new city council seat, eliminating one city council seat, or changing the city charter to allow the mayor to vote only in the case of tie votes.
I want to hear from those who live in the city about what, if anything, we should do to address the issue of gridlock and maybe bring an end to the recent incendiary media headlines.
It has been my privilege to serve you and move forward with the business you elect me to address. I look forward to hearing from you this coming Thursday evening, February 19th, at 7:30 at Snellville City Hall.
Don Balfour
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