Editorial: Power of people prevails in county charter debate

Editorial: Power of people prevails in county charter debate



From Staff
Publication Date: 10/21/07


St. Johns County residents have convinced the County Commission to revise a proposed home rule charter.

Undaunted by indifference to and criticism of their ideas, persistent residents came back again Tuesday to try to sway the decision makers.

New speakers showed up with new ideas. The collective comments gave the County Commission pause. It wisely postponed any action on a proposed charter (referendum) ordinance for at least another month. The power of the people prevailed.

The commission has to adopt a charter ordinance in order to get a charter proposal on the ballot.

We suggest the commission postpone that action at least until January so that suggested revisions to the current proposal or, perhaps a new charter proposal, can be aired publicly countywide and in another series of County Commission hearings.

The commission started early enough so that there is time for more discussion and adequate voter education if the question ends up on the November 2008 ballot.

We are not taking a position yet on charter government for St. Johns County. But we are applauding people for coming forward with more suggestions and not giving up, and the County Commission for listening to the people.

Current County Commissioners have said that they are better listeners than past commissioners but in some instances, they have not shown that to be the case. Tuesday they listened.

It's time now for the people at large to rally round the idea that a charter proposal belongs to everyone, not just the five County Commissioners or a single grass-roots group.

A big issue is whether County Commission elections should be non-partisan. We've always said that local issues are non-partisan, such as roads and fire stations.

So, given the commission's interest in suggested changes, we encourage residents to call, write and e-mail the commissioners with their charter suggestions. Copy your suggestions to us and we'll publish as many as possible.

It's time for a broader conversation on charter government to begin.


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See my last Sunday's St. Augustine Record guest column and draft proposals below.
Ed Slavin