During a recent city council meeting, residents voiced significant concerns regarding proposed changes to the city and county charter, emphasizing the need for a more transparent and deliberate approach to governance. The discussions highlighted a strong sentiment among community members advocating for the separation of administrative updates from politically sensitive issues, such as term limits and government structure changes.

Gary Baldwin, a resident of the Broadlands, stressed that while updating the charter's administrative language is necessary after nearly 25 years, the political elements should be addressed separately. He cautioned against a bundled approach, suggesting that it could lead to confusion among voters who might feel compelled to vote against the entire package due to disagreement with specific items.

Katie Hood from Ward 3 echoed this sentiment, arguing that the complexity of the proposed changes could alienate voters. She urged the council to slow down and consider each item individually to ensure that the community's voice is adequately represented.

Sandy Edgerson also supported the need for updates, acknowledging the committee's efforts in reviewing outdated laws. However, she raised concerns about the potential for confusion among voters if all changes were presented together, suggesting that it could lead to unintended consequences.

Janet Sund, a lifelong resident, expressed frustration over the bundling of issues, stating that it undermines the ability of citizens to make informed decisions. She emphasized the importance of treating residents with respect and allowing them to vote on individual items rather than a collective package.

Heather Dunham, a newcomer to the area, shared her struggle to understand the proposed changes within a short timeframe, reinforcing the call for a more segmented approach to voting on the charter updates.

Mike Billingsley highlighted the optics of the council's decision-making process, suggesting that the bundling of politically charged issues could be perceived as politically motivated. He urged the council to break down the proposals to foster a clearer understanding among constituents.

Overall, the meeting underscored a collective demand for transparency and careful consideration in the charter revision process, with residents advocating for a governance approach that prioritizes clarity and community engagement.