City Council members tentatively agreed to vote on a Charter Election with three propositions to be held November 6, 2007. The first two propositions produced little disagreement when they were first discussed on August 20, 2007. The third, involving term limits for city council members, produced heated but polite discussion on August 13th. Ultimately, all three propositions will likely appear on a Charter Election ballot as agreed by Council Members at the August 20th work session.

The first and second propositions, respectively, involve the location of City Council Meetings and the ability of the City Council to hold so called "Executive Sessions." In June of 2007 a citizen, reviewing the City Charter, questioned the City Council's current practices by suggesting that they might not be in accordance with the current City Charter.

The third proposition, proposed August 13th by Council Member Dennis Stewart, proposes term limits for councilmembers. He said he was proposing this because of demands from residents. The Council tentatively agreed that the Proposition 3 would propose a 6 consecutive term limit if approved by the voters.

The timing of a City Council vote approving a Charter Election is critical because state law requires a minumum of a 62 day gap from the time a Charter Election is called and whe the election is held. Further, Charter Elections may only be held on regular election days in May and November and they may be held no closer than 2 years apart.

Dallas Morning news reporter Wendy Hundley reported, "During the meeting, some residents urged the council to delay the election and convene a commission to review the entire charter. But the majority of members cited widespread public support for term limits and the council agreed to place the item on the ballot."

As an observer, at both the August 13th and August 20th worksessions and council meetings, I did not observe this. Although some councilmembers said they were pressured by residents in favor of term limits others said voters had come to them and said, "Thank goodness we don't  have term limits." In casually listening to residents talking, and seeing their reaction to discussions, I observed a fair split between those who thought term limits a good idea and those who did not.

The Dallas Morning News story was correct on one point though. There was a sentiment to review the City Charter more deeply with an appointed Charter Commision.

Go to the next page for a review of the proposed City Charter changes.