FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Washington County GOP urges citizens of Bartlesville to Vote NO to proposed City Charter changes on April 2nd
The Washington County Republican Party is encouraging the citizens of Bartlesville to Vote NO! On April 2nd.
At the County Convention on March 9th the Washington County Republican Party resolved its opposition to the proposed city council charter changes.
The resolution which was passed by the WCGOP membership highlighted the following objections to charter changes:
⁃ Oppose moving elections to April because election turnout is statistically higher in November
⁃ Oppose changing the terms to 3-years; the voters agreed to 2-year terms in 2010
⁃ Oppose staggering terms: no evidence has been provided that staggering terms improves outcomes
⁃ Oppose changing rules governing petitions to remove councilors: a change in removal petition rules limits the options of the voters
⁃ Oppose granting the City Manager additional spending power
Larry Murray, WCGOP Chairman, said, “We must stand for the people to continue to have a voice in our city government. These charter changes will lessen our ability to make our voices heard to our councilors, and put more control in the hands of unelected city officials.”
The attempt to move the elections to April is in direct opposition to the Oklahoma Republican Party Platform which recognizes the importance of consolidating election dates to encourage increased voter participation.
The Oklahoma Republican Party Platform recognizes the importance of the freedom of speech and government transparency. Elected officials and governments at all levels should not limit the individual’s right to speak and to voice his opinion regarding elected officials and ballot propositions. These changes will reduce the input of our community members in these important matters which affect our daily lives.
Sarah Burnett, a small business owner and young mother in Bartlesville, observes, “This is an overstep by our city officials. Instead of listening to the concerns of thousands of Bartians on important matters, they are seeking to evade our direction, and build a system of control. We must defeat these charter changes on April 2nd.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Spread the word to your friends and family! (Here is a graphic for you to share)
Door knock with us on Saturday (Join us at 10am at Calvary Chapel)
Vote NO on April 2nd!
For more information, or to get a yard sign, contact the WCGOP at info@.
-END-
Larry Murray, WCGOP Chairman
Tom Stearman, WCGOP Vice Chairman
