Focus: Mississippi State! Sep 19, 2008
Poor Ken, GT will win, if by the 3 point home rule, these teams are way different in talent and coaching. Tech has yet to score less than double digits in points this year, and Croom s team will not be it either. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
House Passes Rules Easing D.C. Gun Restrictions Sep 18, 2008
But nonvoting Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton said Congress was violating the District's home rule rights by imposing federal dictates, something it would do to no other American city. "The House has the gall to ask for a vote to nullify the gun laws in my district, depriving my district of the right to protect itself and visitors like yourselves while denying me a vote on this floor on passage. Have you no shame?". (Fox News)
House Votes to Ease D.C. Gun Restrictions Sep 18, 2008
Stay on top of breaking news. Sign up for ABC 7 News e-mail alerts. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Jefferson County Finishes Charter Draft Document Sep 17, 2008
Jefferson County voters will be asked to approve the Home Rule Charter that the Jefferson County Charter Commission signed off on Sept. 4. "I think the document we have is one of balance, which takes the benefits of change and retains the benefits of the current structure," Dodson said. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
County OKs $35K for charter, tax ads Sep 17, 2008
Within 30 days, each St. Johns County household will receive an informational flier about the proposed Home Rule Charter and another about the proposed one-cent sales tax increase. And newspaper readers will see quarter-page and half-page ads also giving facts about both Nov. 4 referendums. (The St. Augustine Record)
The charter transition Sep 17, 2008
Proponents of a home rule charter say Klamath County department managers would likely be relied on in the early months of implementing a new charter government. Opponents say they foresee several pitfalls awaiting commissioners elected under the charter. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Does Oregon need a sales tax? Sep 17, 2008
What wrote on Sep 5, 2008 6:43 AM:" When did a state sales tax stay low? Many were promised that this would be it, but then, years later, other taxes were added and guess what? They continued to pay more. I WOULD NOT SUPPORT A SALES TAX. By the way, if that proposed Home Rule Charter passes, it opens the door to a sales tax, luxury tax, gas tax, excise tax, and others to be put before the voters at any time, and passed. It would only require a simple majority of people to pass it and all of us... (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Ads for charter, surtax proposed Sep 16, 2008
The St. Johns County Commission will decide this morning what type of information they will present the voters -- and what it will cost -- to educate them on the proposed Home Rule Charter and the proposed five-year, one-cent sales tax increase. At special meetings in August, the commission decided to place both issues on the Nov. 4 General Election ballot. (The St. Augustine Record)
Drink tax question kept off ballot Sep 16, 2008
"We feel that the farther we get away from the shadow of [Allegheny County Chief Executive] Dan Onorato, the state courts will rule in our favor at some point when they have a full reading of our county code and [home rule] charter," Mr. Joyce said. Kevin Evanto, Mr. Onorato's spokesman, welcomed Judge James' ruling, saying: "The chief executive has always said he would rather have no drink tax referendum question on the ballot.". (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
More of this story Sep 16, 2008
Sanborn, who spent his youth in Hanalei and still has taro farms there, said he is a proponent of having more home rule, but was unsure if the state was ready to have local school boards. The candidate described himself as noisy, unafraid to voice concerns when warranted. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Civic association supports charter Sep 15, 2008
The St. Johns County Civic Association Roundtable, at its meeting on Monday, reiterated its previously stated support for a change to a home rule charter form of government as being offered the voters of the county in the Nov. 4 general election ... We abhor the false and misleading information generated by opponents of the home rule charter that was disseminated to the public on the eve of the primary election by an unregistered political communication organization in violation of Florida law. (Florida Times-Union)
Charter donors in hiding Sep 14, 2008
Want to know who paid for the fliers in August that attacked the proposed St. Johns County Home Rule Charter ... The flier was titled "Why Charter?" and it explained that a charter was a sort of constitution for a county, then said home rule "is enjoyed by over 75 percent of Floridians" and cannot take effect or be amended without the consent of the voters. (The St. Augustine Record)
Five Democrats seek two places on November ballot Sep 13, 2008
However, I respect the home rule concept and as my records shows I will not come to your town and tell you what you should do. In contrast I will work with you and the leaders of your community to identify those areas where we can cooperatively, successfully transition into regional programs. (Yarmouth Register, MA)
Statehouse Roundup -- Two governors, two conventions Sep 12, 2008
Paul McMurtry of Dedham and Angelo Scaccia of Readville over a Westwood home rule petition that has been blocking a good deal of House business for the last three weeks. It was really an agreement to try to reach an agreement, but for the time being it opened the faucet for local bills that typically cruise through this time of year during informal sessions. (Scituate Mariner, MA)
County weighs charter campaign Sep 11, 2008
The St. Johns County Commission plans to discuss a resolution next week that would agree to spending "a sizeable amount, perhaps six figures" of general fund reserves to educate voters about the Home Rule Charter, Chairman Tom Manuel said Wednesday. A second resolution would discuss the one-cent sales tax increase. (The St. Augustine Record)
Update: Battle of the stink Sep 11, 2008
But, to the dismay of group members, the commission declined to support the group s Home Rule Petition ... In August, the group obtained the necessary 100 signatures needed to add a Home Rule Petition to the Oct. 7 Special Town Meeting warrant. (Tewksbury Advocate, MA)
Onorato trying to halt airport gas drilling Sep 11, 2008
Mr. Onorato said County Council, under the home rule charter, must approve any sale, leasing or use of the land. "[The airport authority] can't do it unilaterally," he said. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Hamilton BOS: Water rates may increase Sep 11, 2008
Home rule for seniors Hamilton resident William Dery has been working on a home rule petition for more than a year and is finally pushing selectmen to get it on the ballot and before Town Meeting voters. His proposal would give qualifying seniors over 65 a tax break capping the increase not above 10-15 percent of an individual s income. (Hamilton Wenham Chronicle, MA)
Reporters notebook Sep 11, 2008
Town Meeting filed home rule legislation this spring, asking the state Legislature to give the town five more all alcohol licenses. If the home rule legislation passes, Town Meeting would still have to put the five new licenses on the ballot. (Arlington Advocate, MA)
Pay hike on agenda Sep 10, 2008
The pay raise, pending voter approval, will come from an amendment to the Home Rule Charter that will make individual salaries the average of council member salaries of St. Martin, St. Mary and Lafayette parishes. The current salary for council members is 600 per month 7,200 per year and has remained the same for at least 30 years, said Council Clerk Diane Phillips. (New Iberia, LA)
It's dinner and some conversation for Bloomington, Normal councils Sep 10, 2008
normalperson wrote on Sep 10, 2008 7:23 AM:" I just do not understand this "Home Rule" club. We elect members to the County Board and it seems they are kept in the dark and out of the way. I think it is just arrogant that they were excluded. Also, was this published in advance? When there are a certain number together they must publish a public meeting notice...... ". justaperson wrote on Sep 10, 2008 7:04 AM:" Now does this constitute a "meeting" and must then adhear to the open meetings act... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Sheriff hopeful battling move to keep him off the ballot Sep 10, 2008
A dispute has developed over whether state restrictions on sheriff candidates -- including a requirement that they must have law enforcement experience -- apply in a home rule county like Multnomah. The dispute gave Oakland, a longtime political gadfly who has run unsuccessfully for various public offices, the opening he needed to throw his hat into the sheriff's race. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Carol Schwartz loses primary for D.C. Council Sep 10, 2008
Republicans compete for an at-large seat because the federal Home Rule Act prevents one party from filling more than two of the four at-large seats, although a large majority of D.C. residents are Democrats. Reader Comments. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Police station funding given preliminary OK (21) Sep 9, 2008
markcharvat wrote on Sep 9, 2008 4:47 AM:" Well this just goes to show you that if you decide to own a home in this community, our city government will sock it to you with another fee /tax. Let's do the math $85.00 for each resident per year x 20 years = $1700.00.Oh, by The Way, you may want to also dine out in Sycamore, you'll pay way less in Taxes. 10.5% sales tax in DEKALB..UGGHHH Here is yet another reason why Home rule needs to be REVOKED in this city. More into at http://barbcityteaco.com/... (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Roddey joins McCrory & McDowell Sep 9, 2008
Jim Roddey, a former Allegheny County chief executive and the man who led Allegheny County through its home rule adoption process, has joined local accounting firm as a senior consultant. Roddey was a leading force in abolishing the county s three-commissioner governing system in favor of a 15-member council and a chief executive post, which he held for its first four years. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Utility tax still in Charter Sep 7, 2008
One of the most contentious parts of the defeated St. Johns County Home Rule Charter was one section allowing the County Commission to levy a 10 percent utility tax on water, electricity, fuel oil and natural gas. Because of that provision, the Chamber of Commerce opposed the charter, seeing it as detrimental to business. (The St. Augustine Record)
Talk about the life in Massachusetts Sep 6, 2008
Paul McMurtry of Dedham and Angelo Scaccia of Readville over a Westwood home rule petition a home rule petition that has been blocking a good deal of House business for the last three weeks. It was really an agreement to try to reach an agreement, but for the time being it opened the faucet for local bills that typically cruise through this time of year, during informal sessions. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Organization drops lawsuit Sep 5, 2008
The coalition argued that the town, in passing the local law, did not follow the due process required by the State Constitution's Municipal Home Rule Law. In the proceeding, the coalition stated that the town board failed to provide adequate public notice of the final version of the law and failed to have the final text on the desks of board members within the legal time frame. (Henrietta Post, NY)
Group fights for drink tax referendum Sep 5, 2008
Attorneys for the restaurateurs and bar owners argued that neither state law nor the county's administrative code and the home rule charter deal with one fundamental question: "Whether the county's power to fix the rate [distinguished from the subject] of any tax may be exercised by voter referendum.". FACT is composed of restaurateurs and bar owners who have opposed the drink tax since it was proposed last year, together with a $2-a-day tax on car rentals, to fund the county's $30 million... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Committee's home rule recommendation lead by economic development potential Sep 4, 2008
CHARLESTON Economic development was on the minds of the advisory committee that recommended holding a referendum on whether the city should seek home rule. Some of the Home Rule Ad-Hoc Committee members also expressed concern for the regulatory and revenue-generating aspects of home rule ... Three people in the audience voiced concerns ranging from home rule not being necessary to home rule opening the door to higher taxes. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
County board takes drink tax measures off Nov. ballot Sep 3, 2008
ruled that the county is invested with the authority over taxes, according to the home rule charter, and that both measures violated state law in seeking to overrule county tax policies, said Michael Wojcik, county solicitor, who attended the board meeting. The ruling was made by Common Pleas Court judges Christine Ward, Jill E. Rangos and Dwayne Woodruff, who served as temporary election board members after the established board of Onorato and county council members John DeFazio and Chuck... (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Charleston's home rule discussion still ongoing Sep 2, 2008
CHARLESTON An advisory committee s deliberations could be winding down as it prepares to recommend whether the city should seek home rule via referendum. Still, Home Rule Ad-Hoc Committee Vice Chairman Pat Adair said there is no set deadline for the group to make its recommendation ... He said a recommendation will not be made until all the committee members are satisfied they have thoroughly researched home rule. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Residents group concerned about project conflicts over wind power Aug 31, 2008
That to me is really in conflict with home rule, Dillingham said. I think they re taking advantage of these small communities. (Utica NY Obserer, NY)
Teetotaling from home rule Aug 28, 2008
But the House member representing Westwood has frozen even routine action to protest a fellow representative's block on a home rule petition for a beer and wine license for a supermarket. There would likely be no deadlock at all if cities and towns had greater power to grant alcohol licenses within their own borders. (Boston Globe)
Allegheny Co. solicitor nixes drink tax plan Aug 28, 2008
Solicitor Mike Wojcik says Friends Against Counterproductive Taxation s proposal violates the county s home rule charter because it doesn t provide another source of revenue. He s asking the county elections panel not to approve it. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Penny sales tax closer to ballot Aug 28, 2008
Also on that agenda is discussion about the St. Johns County Home Rule Charter and support for wildlife rehabilitation. If the board approves the referendum, the measure goes on the ballot Nov. 4. (The St. Augustine Record)
Last call coming earlier? Aug 27, 2008
Ordinances to propose amendments to the Home Rule Charter, as discussed in the special ad-hoc committee meeting last Wednesday, will be introduced for publication. The amendments include a new procedure for calculating the pay rate of the Iberia Parish Council members and the Iberia Parish President. (New Iberia, LA)
Statehouse Roundup -- MBTA tops slow news week Aug 27, 2008
One of the many twists is that the license is a home rule petition, usually untouchable, in McMurtry's district. Neither side has budged, and the impasse threatens the series of policy light and locally important bills that usually zip along during informals, which come to an end when any lawmaker doubts the presence of a quorum. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Tax repeal voted down because of tight budget, lack of data on revenue Aug 26, 2008
The Home Rule sales tax was raised from 1 ... Cities with a population of 25,000 or greater, such as DeKalb, are automatically granted Home Rule powers by the Illinois Constitution, allowing the city to self-govern on issues that are local in nature ... He suggested reconsidering the Home Rule sales tax at a future meeting. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Sycamore population problems Aug 26, 2008
Peter B wrote on Aug 25, 2008 7:58 AM:" This newspaper covered this issue with more detailed and interesting facts, namely, being a home rule community, it need not expand the council pending an approving referendum. However, it's more likely that a redistribution of ward lines will occur, owing to the rapid north side development.Cheers to Mr. Beck to highlight and innervate this city milestone, but less so for displayed innuendo. " ... Pete Paulsen wrote on Aug 25, 2008 8:35 AM:" Adding a 5th... (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
DePue comes back up swinging Aug 26, 2008
Become a home rule unit, according to Village Attorney Melissa Sims ... The ruling was based on Illinois law, and because DePue is not a home rule unit, it only has those powers granted to it by Illinois statute ... Since there is no federal law against DePue s desire to fine Exxon and Viacom, Sims recommended the village become home rule. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Election: Our picks Aug 26, 2008
St. Johns County charter: If you value home rule, vote for it. Opponents have relied on scare tactics. (Florida Times-Union)
Raise in future for IPC? Aug 22, 2008
Iberia Parish Council members could see a pay raise if voters approve proposed amendments to the Iberia Parish Home Rule Charter Nov. 4. At a special ad-hoc committee meeting Wednesday, five council members voted to research the average pay for parish council members in surrounding parishes with governing systems similar to Iberia Parish. (New Iberia, LA)
City council to discuss repeal of home rule sales tax Aug 22, 2008
DeKALB The DeKalb City Council is scheduled to discuss a possible repeal of the city s Home Rule sales tax at its Committee of the Whole meeting Monday ... In March, when a special meeting was held to address the budget shortfall, city council members had asked that the home rule sales tax be revisited at the Aug. 25 meeting to discuss a possible repeal. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
City seeks to save money with retirement incentives Aug 22, 2008
City officials last Tuesday passed a home rule petition that could give municipal employees an early retirement incentive (ERI) from June 30 2009 to Jan. 15 2010. If passed in the State House, the incentive would temporarily add up to six years of credible service or age towards employee retirements. (Medford Transcript, MA)
Council adopts signature authorization policy Aug 22, 2008
It s not often that we write to the governor, said Clifford, who told the Forum after the meeting that this June 15 letter urged Patrick to sign Braintree s Citizen Soldiers home rule petition that had been approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate. Clifford went on to say that since his scanner and printer went down, he shipped the letter by e-mail to Casey and asked that it be sent. (Braintree Forum, MA)
Committee nears home rule recommendation Aug 21, 2008
CHARLESTON A recommendation on whether the city should seek home rule status via a voter referendum could be made by as early as Sept. 2. The Charleston Home Rule Ad-Hoc Committee has scheduled what could be its final discussion for 5 p.m. Sept. 2 at City Hall, 520 Jackson ... Once the discussion is complete, the committee will make a recommendation on home rule to the city council for final approval. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Charter stays on ballot Aug 20, 2008
A single-word "error" in the title language of the St. Johns County Home Rule Charter won't keep that document from staying on the Tuesday Primary Election ballot, the St. Johns County Commission decided Tuesday. That error, however, proved more pleasant to deal with than discussing a secretive local organization actively working to defeat the charter. (The St. Augustine Record)
Beacon presents new plans for project Aug 20, 2008
This project and other 40Bs are contrary to our sensibilities, our rights and traditions of self-determination, home rule, and our rights and obligations to preserve and protect our environment for future generations. Approximately 30 people came to the hearing. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Charter vote delay weighed Aug 19, 2008
The St. Johns County Commission today will decide whether a one-word mistake in the 75-word ballot description of the proposed Home Rule Charter is enough to bounce the entire document from the Aug. 26 Primary Election to the Nov. 4 General Election ... Specifically, the charter language asks voters: "Shall the St. Johns County electors adopt a home rule charter establishing the form and powers of county government, providing methods and limitations of amendment; providing for a legislative... (The St. Augustine Record)
Around Town: Allegheny angst -- Dan and Jim, mano a mano Aug 19, 2008
He's a seasoned politician who sees the Dems blowing holes in the county home rule charter, and if that works out as a political gift to his party, so be it ... That's enough for a quorum, but Mr. Onorato was adamant that there was no discussion of pending legislation and "there was no straw vote when I was there." They met with legal counsel to discuss what the home rule charter allows and does not allow. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Dueling drink tax questions are under review Aug 18, 2008
"This is the first step in challenging that whole process that they went through to put a referendum question on the ballot," said Mr. Roddey, who contends that not only did the Democratic caucus violate the Sunshine Act, County Council as a whole does not have the authority to generate any referendum questions, according to the county's home rule charter ... His position is that in addition to unbalancing the county's budget, the referendum may also be a violation of the county's home rule... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Population could affect ward count Aug 17, 2008
Home Rule communities, for instance, can pass an ordinance calling for a smaller council than required by law. The Illinois Constitution allows Home Rule powers, which is the ability for a municipality to self-govern on strictly local affairs, to communities with populations above 25,000 or to those in which voters have approved a referendum in favor of it ... Sycamore has been a Home Rule community for about a decade. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Commissioner puts down resident of Atlantic Beach Aug 17, 2008
Whether or not our current level of home rule is sufficient to "design government tailored to our needs" is a matter of opinion ... I have read with interest a number of articles concerning the St. Augustine Chamber of Commerce and their opposition to the St. Johns County charter home rule issue on the upcoming primary ballot ... Please keep in mind that the Ponte Vedra Beach Chamber studied this issue in depth and its board voted to strongly support the home rule charter form of government for... (Florida Times-Union)
County Democrats call meeting lawsuit 'politics' Aug 16, 2008
"This is a first step in challenging [council's referendum question]," said Mr. Roddey, arguing that council not only violated the Sunshine Act, but the Home Rule Charter by empowering itself to create ballot initiatives ... Mr. Onorato said he recalls a meeting in which he met with the Democratic caucus to discuss whether the Home Rule Charter granted council the power to create referendum questions, but he doesn't recall if it was at the July 8 meeting in contention. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Patrick vetoes eminent domain petition Aug 15, 2008
Gov. Deval Patrick sent a letter to the state Legislature last week to let state reps and senators know he was vetoing Amesbury s home rule petition to limit the town s use of eminent domain ... And last November, Amesbury residents went to the polls and voted 1,679 to 1,259 in favor of sending a home rule petition to the Beacon Hill to get the state s approval on the ordinance. (Amesbury News, MA)
Attorney general's office to represent town Aug 14, 2008
"This action by the Greenway and the office of the attorney general is critical to Greenway's mission and to the protection of a fundamental concept of government in New York state - the right to home rule," said Town Board Member Ross Williams, who has acted as liaison for the town in the matter. Williams thanked Castiglione and Barnabus McHenry, chair of the Greenway Council, for their support. (Rhinebeck Gazette Advertiser, NY)
35TH MIDDLESEX RACE: Donato: Incumbent touts experience, accessibility Aug 14, 2008
In Medford, Donato said he recently expedited the passing of a home rule petition to make beer and wine licenses easier for smaller restaurants to buy and has lobbied for $750,000 in the past three years to fix the seats in the Chevalier Theatre. By the first of the year the theater should have all new seats, Donato said. (Medford Transcript, MA)
Letters from readers Aug 14, 2008
Say yes to a home rule charter for St. Johns County. MARCY SILKEBAKEN. (Florida Times-Union)
State representative candidates answer questions Aug 13, 2008
Beacon Hill s interference with home rule and the towns desire to preserve their communities has created a contentious issue. The debate continues. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Rubio offers edge Aug 11, 2008
He clearly, for instance, differs from his brother on protecting home rule and letting local governments call their own shots. Mario Rubio's priorities are education, public safety, health, transportation and protecting the St. Johns River. (Florida Times-Union)
Devolution 'beginning of the end for Labour Party' Aug 8, 2008
Mr Wilson, a former Energy Minister, has argued consistently against home rule for Scotland. Having lost the argument he has been reticent on the issue in recent years. (Times Online)
School Funding: Trust worth billions Aug 8, 2008
This would result in another loss of home rule and it would make it even more difficult for school systems to plan while revenue battles are under way in Tallahassee. Florida TaxWatch has written that replacing property taxes with sales taxes is likely to hurt the economy, that the proposed tax swap is more likely to be a tax increase and "the proposed solution is worse than the problem.". (Florida Times-Union)
Follow up: The stink that won't go away Aug 7, 2008
In May 2008 turned to the Board of Selectmen for their support on a home rule petition. While residents said the town s Board of Health and resident group are working diligently to combat the odor and resolve long-term issues they are continuously battling state right to farm laws and other state laws and therefore have a need for a home-rule petition. (Tewksbury Advocate, MA)
Charter panel: County government needs improvement Aug 6, 2008
Is your mind made up on the Klamath County home rule charter that s been submitted ... Tuesday, August 5, 2008 8:04 PM PDT 8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008: The government-appointed home rule charter committee wants to make recommendations about how to improve Klamath County government while retaining the right to reconvene and write a charter if those recommendations aren t carried out. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
