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AMENDMENTS GIVE VOTERS MORE CONTROL

From time to time, common sense solutions are needed to update how we govern ourselves and to ensure that decisions being made at the ballot box represent the view of the majority of our voters.  This November, Polk County residents have a chance to adopt some small changes to the charter and improve their control over how we change our county charter in the future.

Polk Citizen's For Good Government is advocating for County Amendments 1, 2, and 3 because they encourage maximum voter participation and assure voters will receive clear information regarding the pros or cons of the change(s) they are voting on.

County Amendment One will eliminate costly special elections and require that future issues be voted on in general elections only.  This change will save taxpayers over $300,000 per special election and provides for maximum citizen participation since General Elections draw the largest voter turnout.  Historically, less than 20% of the Polk County voters cast their vote in referendum elections occurring during a primary or special election.  By voting Yes on County Amendment 1, we can ensure greater participation of Polk County voters on important issues that impact all of us in the long-term.

County Amendments Two and Three will require a 60% approval of the voters on all future charter amendments or ordinances that are proposed by initiative.   This change would bring the County in line with the state requirements of 60% approval for Constitutional changes which was already adopted by voters.  By voting Yes on County Amendments 2 and 3, we can expect that any future proposals will have to be clear and simple to understand and a decisive 60% approval usually attracts less legal challenges on controversial issues.

Polk Citizens for Good Government supports all three amendments and believes that these initiatives will protect the Polk County Charter and will save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.  These amendments do not change the rights of residents to petition and get on the ballot.  However, by voting YES for County Amendments 1, 2, and 3, voters will be able to ensure a majority of voters are both voting in a general election and a strong portion of the voters also want that change to their County Charter.  To learn more, please visit http://www.voteyesforpolk.org/.

Victor Story, Chairman

and

Sam Killebrew, Treasurer

Polk Citizens for Good Government