The Oklahoma State Capital

Discussion was lively as the Edmond City Council took action to put a proposed amendment to the Edmond City Charter on the May 8th ballot. The proposed change would affect special duties and powers of the City Manager, purchasing procedures, and election procedures.

The most foremost of these changes would be the return to the old system of electing council members. In the past council elections were held on the first Tuesday in April. Currently they are held the second Tuesday in May. This makes Edmond unique, many other metro area cities still have municipal elections on the first Tuesday in April. This creates additional work for the Oklahoma County election board secretary who would prefer to conduct all municipal elections on the same day.

Edmond City Manager Leonard Martin said the current system of electing Councilors gives newly elected officials only a few days to consider the next fiscal year budget. By moving the election day to April, councilors will be able to participate in developing the next budget.

Betty Blue, President of The Edmond Neighborhood Alliance, spoke in opposition to the change. Blue said that while the Neighborhood Alliance does not endorse any specific candidate for office, they do provide forums so that the candidates can meet the public. Blue feels that if the time is removed from election period than the public will have less time to learn about the candidates and issues. Blue also responded to Martin's comment by stating that more time could be given to the budget process if new councilors were allowed to take office two week earlier. Blue feels that the education aspect of a longer campaign time is more important than these concerns.

Ward II Councilman Steve Knox said that the low turnout during the last elections is an indication that a longer campaign season may not be the best for voter interest. "When there is less time and more pace to the thing, it is easier to get the voters out to the meetings", he said.

Ward III Councilman Bob Huggins agreed saying, "I would prefer the shorter period because people look at those signs long enough and they harden their hearts."

Ward IV Councilman Barry Rice has been through two elections. One of these elections was held under the old system of an early campaign season. Rice prefers this method of electiong council members. He feels that the candidates loose momentum in a longer campaign.

With a unanimous vote the council approve putting the charter changes to a vote of the people.