WARREN Councilman heads petition drive to get charter issue on March ballot

Council rejected legislation to put the question on the November ballot.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- One city councilman isn't letting the idea for a charter form of government die.
Councilman Alford L. Novak, D-2nd, has organized a group of citizens who are collecting signatures to get the issue on the March 2 primary ballot.
Some people attending a council meeting this week talked about their desire to change the city from a statutory to a charter form of government.
In August, council members turned down legislation to place the question of whether to form a charter commission before voters in the November election. Some members said they wanted more information about what a charter government means.
Novak has scheduled a meeting for 10 a.m. Saturday at the Packard Park Shelter House for people interested in circulating petitions or wanting more information.
Novak believes a charter would enable laws to be designed according to the city. Under a statutory form of government, city laws conform to those of the state.
"Basically, I think the people, voters, taxpayers would be given a much greater opportunity in the formation and control of their government," Novak said.
Deadline
To be placed on the March ballot, sufficient valid signatures must be presented to the Trumbull County Board of Elections by Dec. 18.
Novak said that Ronald White and Helen Rucker, both former council members; Thomas Bator; and Robert Powell are coordinating the effort to collect signatures.
"Any registered voters in the city can circulate the petitions," he said.
Creation of a charter commission would be the first step to creating a charter form of government. If created, that group would have a year to develop a recommended document, which voters would either accept or reject.
denise.dick@vindy.com