To: Town Council of Amerst Virginia
Amherst Virginia Town Council Charter Needs Changing!
UNDEMOCRATIC!
On Wednesday, July 10, in a session closed to the public, the Amherst Town Council voted 4-1 to remove a duly-elected member from the council. They have refused to answer inquiries about this, instead simply falling back on, “The action that was taken was properly performed," according to the town’s charter. Please take note of this part--the town charter currently allows them to do this!
THIS IS UNDEMOCRATIC AND UNACCEPTABLE
The charter of our town should not permit a small group to override the will of the voters. I ask all residents of Amherst and interested parties to sign this petition for the purpose of DEMANDING the council petition the General Assembly to amend their charter to prevent this kind of undemocratic action in the future. Members of council should not be able to overturn the will of 511 voters. If they wish a member to be removed, they should be required to issue a recall petition, with the reasons for the removal request spelled out.
The council’s next meeting is August 14 at 7 p.m.; it is open to the public. I will be attending this meeting for the express purpose of presenting this petition to the council. In addition to signing this petition, it would be wonderful if you could also attend the meeting to express your concern about the current charter.
I am just a regular resident of the town who, like many others, was stunned to learn that my vote didn't really matter.
August 14 - 7 p.m. Town Hall 174 S. Main Street Amherst Virginia
BE THERE TO STAND FOR DEMOCRACY!
On Wednesday, July 10, in a session closed to the public, the Amherst Town Council voted 4-1 to remove a duly-elected member from the council. They have refused to answer inquiries about this, instead simply falling back on, “The action that was taken was properly performed," according to the town’s charter. Please take note of this part--the town charter currently allows them to do this!
THIS IS UNDEMOCRATIC AND UNACCEPTABLE
The charter of our town should not permit a small group to override the will of the voters. I ask all residents of Amherst and interested parties to sign this petition for the purpose of DEMANDING the council petition the General Assembly to amend their charter to prevent this kind of undemocratic action in the future. Members of council should not be able to overturn the will of 511 voters. If they wish a member to be removed, they should be required to issue a recall petition, with the reasons for the removal request spelled out.
The council’s next meeting is August 14 at 7 p.m.; it is open to the public. I will be attending this meeting for the express purpose of presenting this petition to the council. In addition to signing this petition, it would be wonderful if you could also attend the meeting to express your concern about the current charter.
I am just a regular resident of the town who, like many others, was stunned to learn that my vote didn't really matter.
August 14 - 7 p.m. Town Hall 174 S. Main Street Amherst Virginia
BE THERE TO STAND FOR DEMOCRACY!
Why is this important?
I am a town resident and voter who finds it unacceptable that the council can remove democratically-elected members.