Resident urges changing 'alderman' to 'councilor' in town charter, cites state statute authority
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Summary
John Quigley urged the Board of Aldermen to amend the town charter to replace the title 'alderman' with 'councilor' and the board name with 'town council,' citing authority in the North Carolina General Statutes and a straightforward amendment process.
John Quigley, a Kernersville resident, asked the Board of Aldermen on Aug. 27 to pursue a charter amendment replacing the term ‘‘alderman’’ with the gender‑neutral ‘‘councilor’’ and renaming the ‘‘Board of Aldermen’’ as the ‘‘Town Council.’’
Quigley told the board that ‘‘alderman . . . by definition, it means elder man,’’ and said ‘‘it’s time to change it to a more gender neutral term.’’ He said the change ‘‘can be accomplished through a simple charter amendment’’ and cited North Carolina law as authorizing municipalities to alter the style of their governing boards.
Quigley outlined a three‑step process for the change: a resolution of intent, a public meeting with proper notice, and adoption of an ordinance. He told the board the amendment ‘‘does not require approval of the North Carolina General Assembly.’’ The board did not take immediate action on the request during the meeting.
Quigley said many other North Carolina municipalities have made the change; he urged Kernersville to follow suit so ‘‘our town government [is] a truer reflection of our community.’’
