Flint Provides Information for Residents Wishing to be Elected to Charter Review Commission

The City of Flint has released information for residents interested in being elected to the charter review commission following the approval of a general charter revision by voters last week. Nine commission positions will need to be filled by election with candidates elected at large as provided by the Home Rule City Act.

Those interested in becoming a candidate can pick up a petition packet from the City Clerk's office at City Hall beginning on Monday. Candidates must be registered voters and have had a residence in the city for three years prior to the date of the election. No city officer or employee is eligible to serve on the Commission.

Petitioners will need to collect a minimum of 316 valid signatures from city residents who must also be registered voters. All petitions must be returned to the City Clerk's office by Wednesday, November 26th. Residents can sign up to nine positions, but may sign only once on behalf of each candidate. Residents who have submitted the required number of valid signatures by the filing deadline will have their names placed on the ballot for a special election on February 24, 2015. All Flint residents who are registered voters will have the ability to vote for up to nine candidates whose names appear on the ballot. The nine candidates with the highest number of votes will be elected to the Charter Review Commission.

Once elected, the commission will review the current charter to determine what, if any, elements should be altered, deleted or added. If the commission proposes a revised charter, then it will be presented to voters for approval. The commission will have up to three years to complete its work. If Flint voters approve a revised charter, the new changes will be adopted. If not approved, the existing charter will continue to govern.