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Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Backing into more small-d democracy...

Last week, Cornelius started the process to change their election schedule to be in sync with Federal mid-term and Presidential election years.  To do so they will have a 1-time three year term starting with next year's 2013 election.  At the 2016 election they will go back to 2 year terms.  Once this happens, Cornelius will be the only town in North Mecklenburg to be on this schedule.  They should enjoy a significant bump in turnout, and thus a more representative board.  Somewhat ironically, they are getting to better small-d democracy through a unilateral Board decision.

You may remember that last year Davidson considered a unilateral change to board term lengths - proposing an extension to 4-year terms from the current 2-year terms.  That proposal met with stiff public resistance and was shelved last summer.  Hopefully, if it comes up again in the future the Town will take Cornelius's lead and only do so after putting it on the ballot for a referendum during an expected high-turnout election.

"For one-time only, commissioners extend term"  -HuntersvilleHerald.com

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