MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL

TOWN OF FOREST HEIGHTS


CHARTER AMENDMENT RESOLUTION NUMBER 27 –

PROPOSING TO AMEND THE FOREST HEIGHTS TOWN CHARTER

SECTION 33-35. SPECIAL ELECTIONS


INTRODUCED BY: Councilman George Wiggers


ENACTED: March 9, 2007


WHEREAS, the citizens of Forest Heights deserve full representation in the Town Government of their elected representatives and executive; and


WHEREAS, Maryland Code Article 23A § 12 and 13 governing municipalities empower and regulate the Town Council in enacting charter amendments and the Mayor in posting and publication of proposed charter amendments;


NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of Forest Heights proposes to amend the Charter of the Town of Forest Heights Section 33-35 Special Elections. The amendment of the Charter of the Town of Forest Heights shall be enacted by inserting the following underscored language as the second paragraph of Section 33-35:


“In the case of a vacancy in the office of Mayor or Councilman which has not been filled by the Council within 60 days of the seat becoming vacant by any reason, or at any time at the request of a majority of the Council members holding office, the Town Board of Elections shall conduct a special election to fill the vacant seat. The special election shall be held as soon as practical after the expiration of the sixty day period, but at least five business days shall pass subsequent to the announcement of the election and the cut-off for the submission of nominations, and nominations must be announced at least five business days prior to the election. The Town Clerk shall assist the election Board in organizing the election. The Town Council shall amend the Town budget to cover any expenses not otherwise appropriated for the conduct of the special election.”


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Acting Mayor shall give notice of this resolution for a proposed Charter Amendment by posting an exact copy thereof at the town hall for a period of at least forty days following its adoption and shall cause a fair summary of this proposed Charter Amendment to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town of Forest Heights not less than four times, at weekly intervals within a period of at least forty days starting not later than three days immediately following the date of the adoption of this resolution containing the proposed charter amendment.


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that failure to comply with this resolution shall be deemed a misdemeanor and subject to 30 days in prison and a fine not to exceed $1,000.00; and


AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage and the Charter Amendment hereby proposed shall take effect April 28, 2007.


PASSED THIS DAY OF  March 9, 2007.


Larry Stoner, Acting Mayor & Councilman Ward III
Clifton Atkinson, Councilman Ward II

Carmelita Lynn Smith-Barnes, Councilwoman Ward I

Andrea McCutcheon, Acting Council President & Councilwoman Ward II
George F. Wiggers, Councilman Ward I

Attest:

Bonita Anderson, Town Clerk