Increase City Council Terms from 2 to 4? 78% of Voters Said No
A push to increase Sedalia City Council terms from two to four years failed at the polling places on Tuesday.
A total of 1586 votes were cast in 12 precincts, according to Election Authority Nick La Strada.
1246 said no, they don't want the Council members' terms to extend from two to four years.
340 said yes we do.
The percentage was 78.56% against, 21.44% for.
Voter turnout Tuesday was 13.21%.
Third Ward Councilman Bob Hiller, when asked to comment Tuesday night, said “All I want to say the people have had there say and I respect that very much. It doesn't effect anything today tomorrow or for the next 2 years when I will have to decide if I want to run again which I would have to do anyway I was just thinking about the future of the city we have the same problems today and tomorrow that we have to get through and I will not do it by getting on line or face book or buying signs to get what I want how much did Mister Goodson spend to get this voted the way he wanted I know I spent nothing just let the people decide and they voted no so that fine. I understand we have some problems but right now, these are in front of us and are trying to be addressed. Let's move forward, and I hope we can put this all behind us,” Hiller told KSIS.
Sedalia Mayor Andrew Dawson also commented on the vote.
“Today’s vote shows just how much our community cares about having a say in how we’re governed. I’m heartened to see everyone’s involvement. As Mayor, I’m all in for working with the City Council to keep making Sedalia the best place to be. It’s about what we all want for our city, and I’m excited to keep pushing forward with that. Many thanks to everyone that got out and voted today and made their voice heard!” Mayor Dawson said Tuesday night.
Second Ward Councilman Chris Marshall responded by saying “I voted no. I’m against longer terms as I think as an elected official, you need to connect with the community. Every time I ran I knocked on doors to introduce myself and hear what the people had to say about issues concerning them. 4 years is too long to be disconnected from the people who vote for you,” Marshall commented.
Second Ward Councilwoman Tina Boggess said simply “The voters have spoken and we have heard them.”
First Ward Councilman Tom Oldham said, "It’s great to see such an amazing turnout for an election that is normally one of the lowest. Voters not only showed up, but raised a loud United voice for a ballot issue. I stated from the beginning that I wouldn’t deny citizens the right to a vote, but I was not in favor of moving city council terms from two year to four year. This can create a situation where council members could become complacent. I also believe the local government should be the most effective and efficient form of government.
"If our neighbors, friends, and coworkers are not in favor of an issue on the local level, changes can be made in a timely manner. I look forward to serving my two-year term, and if I’m doing a fair and honest job in the eyes of Sedalians, they will ask me to continue serving!" Oldham concluded.
Fourth Ward Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Rhiannon Foster said, "I was completely in the middle on 2 v 4. There are pros and cons to each term length, as I stated previously at a council meeting. I am honored to represent the 4th Ward for 2 more years."
Councilwoman Foster ran unopposed and received 422 votes, and there were 37 write-in votes.
"I am happy we had over 450 come out to vote in the 4th Ward!! I think oftentimes the write-ins are just silly characters like Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck," she commented.
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