Heated debate as councilwoman asks to put third-term charter amendment to special election

Councilwoman Katrina Wilson introduced a resolution on March 26 directing the city clerk to organize a special election that would place a charter amendment before voters to change the mayoral and council term limit from two consecutive terms to three.

The item generated lengthy public comment and a heated exchange on the dais. Dozens of residents used the public-comment period to oppose a third term, repeatedly citing cost and process concerns; several speakers urged the council not to proceed with a special election.

Multiple speakers told the council a special election would cost roughly $200,000. "This resolution will cost taxpayers nearly $200,000 to go on a ballot in person or mail in," Dr. James Davis said during public comment and urged members "to not vote for the proposed amendment." Howard Dupree and other residents cited a past special election cost (reported to be $199,357 in 2016) and said the money could instead be used for community programs.

Janice Coakley, president of a neighborhood group, said the charter was adopted with two-term limits for a reason: "When you took this position, you knew it was 2—2 terms, and now you want another turn," she told the council, urging them to respect the charter's original design. Several public commenters asked that any ballot initiative be broadly mailed and publicized, arguing many residents lacked access to the information.

Supporters of placing the question on the ballot also spoke. Ray Rajkumar addressed the council in support of Councilwoman Wilson and urged residents to "rally together and advocate for the special election that will allow her to continue to serve for a third term," saying her leadership benefits the community.

Councilwoman Katrina Wilson defended bringing the matter to voters. "The Charter doesn't give this dais the right to choose. The Charter does ... give you the right to go to the ballot and say, no, we don't want it," she said, arguing the resolution merely allows the electorate to decide. Her remarks drew repeated interruptions from the audience and an emotional exchange with critics during which the meeting was temporarily disorderly.

Several commenters and at least one speaker cited sections of the charter in their remarks; Francis Ragu referenced "section 6.2 a" and argued that charter revision rules and timing should be followed. Other commenters and speakers said the charter's periodic review process and windows for amendment should govern any change.

The transcript ends with extended debate and heated back-and-forth between the sponsor and opponents; a formal recorded vote on the resolution does not appear in the provided portion of the transcript.

Ending — Councilwoman Wilson filed the resolution to direct the clerk to prepare a special election; the item prompted prolonged public comment and heated debate on the dais. The transcript does not include a final recorded vote on the charter amendment resolution.