by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
A few months ago, City Council Vice President Jack Webb and Council member Don Redman filed legislation to move the local elections. Neither bill gained much steam or support and both faded away.
Last week, both put their names on two new pieces of legislation that pertain to when future local elections would be held and the terms of current elected officials. Both bills direct Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland to place the decision in the hands of the voters through a referendum on the November 2010 ballot. Both bills also pertain to Council members, the mayor and the City’s five Constitutional officers.
“My bill moves the local municipal elections from spring of the odd years to November of 2011,” said Webb. “Those elected would take office in January of 2012. It doesn’t require a J-Bill and no action from the State Legislature.”
Webb’s bill is very similar to the one he filed earlier this year except it puts the decision to move the elections into the hands of the voters in Duval County as opposed to the State Legislature. His bill would also give those currently in office an extra six months since their terms would expire Dec. 31, 2011 instead of June 30, 2011. Under Webb’s bill, local elections would not coincide with state or federal elections.
“It’s incumbent upon us to keep our elections separate from the state and federal elections,” he said.
The basis of Redman’s bill is a potential cost savings of $3 million, a savings that could be realized if the local elections were held in conjunction with state elections.
“This would not take effect until 2018,” said Redman. “My bill moves the election with the governor’s election and the other state elections. His (Webb’s) moves it to opposite years when there are no other races. Both would be in the fall.”
Holland’s office has said holding local elections costs about $3 million over the course of a four-year election cycle. Redman believes his bill would not only save that money, but increase voter turnout by creating a more compelling ballot.
“In some of our races there is such low turnout,” he said. “There are only a few names on the ballot and there’s no competition. I think if it is put on the ballot (in the form of a referendum), the public would go for it because it saves $3 million. We need to use every opportunity we can to save money.”
Webb says he has the backing of the Charter Revision Commission and Mayor John Peyton. He admits the idea of extending the terms of those currently in office is unappealing to some.
“There’s a problem with the perception of unilaterally extending terms,” he said. “That’s why it’s good to go through a voter referendum. There is someone in the office in any event.”
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