Memphis City Council plans special election on charter amendments for mayor and council terms

In the bustling chambers of Chandler City Hall, council members gathered on May 22, 2025, to deliberate on significant changes to the city charter, a move that could reshape local governance. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as discussions centered around the eligibility of individuals to serve consecutive terms as mayor and council members.

Council Member Orlando took the floor, expressing concerns about public perception. “If voters see us sitting on our hands and waiting, it looks like we're not willing to do hard things,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of engaging residents in the decision-making process. He urged his colleagues to bring the proposed amendments to a vote, reinforcing the city’s long-standing practices that have been upheld for over fifty years.

The council's discussions revealed a mix of apprehension and determination. While some members expressed reluctance to amend the charter, fearing it could jeopardize existing bonds, others were eager to move forward. “I think we can clean up the language a little bit in 2026,” suggested one council member, indicating a willingness to refine the proposals after initial feedback.

As the meeting progressed, the council faced procedural challenges. A motion was put forth to call a special election for the charter amendments, but questions arose regarding the clarity of the language to be presented to voters. “We’re asking to put this on the ballot, yet we are not certain of what the language is,” noted the Vice Mayor, highlighting the tension between urgency and thoroughness.

City Attorney AFA weighed in, advising that the council could consider tabling the motion to allow for further discussion and refinement of the proposed language. This suggestion sparked a debate about the timing of the special election, which was already set to coincide with a bond election.

Ultimately, the council agreed to move forward with the resolution to call for a special election while also planning to convene a special meeting to finalize the language by June 9. This dual approach aims to ensure that residents have a clear understanding of the proposed changes when they head to the polls.

As the meeting adjourned, the council members left with a sense of purpose, aware that their decisions could significantly impact the governance of Chandler. The upcoming special election promises to be a pivotal moment for the city, as residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on the future of their local leadership.