Change of Government Referendum

The current push to change Weddington’s form of government, while simultaneously hiring consultants to promote large town projects that are not in line with our values, has understandably caused diminished trust in our local leaders.

I am against changing Weddington’s form of government.

The majority of our town's elected officials are publicly promoting this change and attempted to finalize it without allowing residents to vote. The town's website says that State Statute 160A-148 dictates the powers and duties of the proposed Town Manager and makes clear that council cannot take these powers away. We enjoy the simplicity of a small town with low taxes, and a town hall that operates on a part-time schedule. Therefore, I am against giving this amount of broad authority and power to someone who is not directly held accountable through the election process. It would be an unhealthy and unnecessary change and will not improve the trust, transparency, and accountability that we should have in our local leaders.

State Statute 160A-148 - Powers and Duties of the Manager dictates the responsibilities of the Town Manager. I encourage you to read this statute before voting on the referendum in November.

Reference link
https://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_160a/gs_160a-148.html 

If you are a Weddington voter, the following referendum will be on your ballot:

TOWN OF WEDDINGTON CHARTER AMENDMENT REFERENDUM

Shall the ordinance changing the Town of Weddington form of government from a Mayor-Council to a Council-Manager be approved? Yes or No

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- Christopher Neve