A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THAT PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSIONS BE SCHEDULED ON THE TOWN’S VOTER OWNED ELECTION PROGRAM (2008-06-09/R-14)
WHEREAS, in July, 2007, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted Chapter 222 of the 2007 Session Laws, authorizing the Town of Chapel Hill to establish a uniform, nondiscriminatory program of public financing of municipal elections in Chapel Hill; and,
WHEREAS, that law provides that the Town may appropriate funds for a public campaign financing program which is approved by the State Board of Elections; and,
WHEREAS, in November, 2007, the Town Council established a Council Committee to develop a proposed public campaign financing program; and,
WHEREAS, the Council Committee has received and considered the guidelines for the Town’s program provided by the State Board of Elections; and,
WHEREAS, on April 14, 2008, the Council Committee submitted its report and recommendation to the Town Council for a public campaign financing program for Town municipal elections; and,
WHEREAS, the Town Council, as required by Chapter 222 of the 2007 Session Laws, conducted a public hearing on a proposed public campaign financing program on May 14, 2008, and has considered comments from citizens; and,
WHEREAS, on June 9, 2008, the Town Council enacted an Ordinance to establish a voter owned election program for candidates for elective office in the Town of Chapel Hill; and,
WHEREAS, the Council finds that it is necessary and appropriate for there to be an opportunity for prospective candidates, campaign treasurers, and interested citizens to learn more about the Town’s voter owned election program in advance of the 2009 municipal election season.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council directs the Town Attorney to contact the North Carolina State Board of Election and other appropriate individuals and agencies and to conduct information and training sessions on the Town’s Voter Owned Election Program in April, 2009, when prospective candidates may be considering seeking municipal office, and during the period established for persons to file for municipal office, in July, 2009, and at similar times in each odd numbered year thereafter.
This the 9th day of June, 2008.