Residents mobilize for referendum against controversial ordinance

During a recent government meeting, community member Sarah Hudson addressed concerns regarding a proposed ordinance affecting the unhoused population in Morgantown. Hudson, who resides just outside the city limits, emphasized the importance of understanding the referendum process outlined in the city charter, specifically section 8.1, which allows qualified voters to require the council to reconsider any adopted ordinance.

Hudson explained that if the council does not repeal the ordinance, it could be put to a vote in a city election. She highlighted that a group of over 30 local organizers is prepared to initiate a petition process, which requires signatures from at least 10% of the total number of qualified voters from the last regular city election. With a turnout of 1,697 voters in 2023, Hudson calculated that they would need approximately 1,310 valid signatures to move forward.

The meeting underscored the community's mobilization against the ordinance, with Hudson's remarks reflecting a growing concern among residents about the implications of the proposed legislation on the city's unhoused population. The organizers' commitment to the cause suggests a significant grassroots effort to influence local governance and advocate for the needs of vulnerable community members.