What follows is the text of the petition with the ballot question and interpretative statement. Unfortunately, it must be signed on paper and in-person. Sign up below if you'd like to add your name, and we'll let you know how.
Embedded Files
PETITION (COUNCIL-MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT)
PETITION (COUNCIL-MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT)
To the Municipal Clerk of the Township of West Milford:
We, the undersigned, registered voters of the Township of West Milford, Passaic County, New Jersey, hereby request that the following question to change the municipal charter of the Township of West Milford, be submitted to the electorate for a vote in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:69A-14, 19 and 20, at a special election if appropriate or the general election which next follows the submission of this petition:
"Shall the Council-Manager Plan of the Optional Municipal Charter Law, providing for a division of the municipality into three wards, with six council members (one to be elected from each ward and three to be elected at large) for staggered terms at non-partisan elections held in November, with the mayor elected directly by the voters, be adopted by the Township of West Milford?"
Interpretative Statement:
Currently, the Township of West Milford is governed under the Mayor-Council-Administrator Plan of the Faulkner Act, in which all six council members and the mayor are elected at large in partisan elections, and the Mayor appoints the administrator. The Mayor also has the power to veto any ordinance adopted by the council. A “no” vote will keep this system in place.
A “yes” vote on this ballot question would change West Milford’s form of government to a nonpartisan Council-Manager Plan, dividing the Township into three wards. Under this plan, the council would be composed of six members—one elected from each ward and three elected at-large—with staggered four-year terms. Elections would be held every two years in November. The mayor would be elected directly by the voters at the same time as the at-large council members. In this plan, the Mayor would have the power to vote as a member of the council, but would not have the veto power. This new plan is designed to ensure fair representation for all areas of the Township and to provide professional, accountable management of Township operations through a municipal manager, who would be appointed by the council. Nonpartisan elections would serve the interests of our citizens by focusing campaigns and governance on local issues and candidate qualifications, rather than party affiliation.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse