Mayor Young to Introduce Emergency Legislation at Tonight’s Council Meeting

BALTIMORE, MD.  — Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young plans to introduce emergency legislation at tonight’s Council meeting calling on the City Council President to stand up a commission of residents to review 13 proposed changes to the City’s charter.

Many of the proposed 13 amendments contain elements that may conflict with other amendments or could drastically change how the City functions. The amendments impact everything from routine City operations to the City’s bond rating and financial solvency.

“When contemplating foundational changes to our structure of governance, we must make sure that the residents who’ll most be impacted have a true seat at the table,” Mayor Young said. “I appreciate the work of the Council and their desire to move quickly, but we can’t ignore our residents. I think taking a pause in the process and standing up the Citizen Charter Amendments Review Commission is the best way to make sure the people who elected us are truly in the driver’s seat of this legislative process.”

Mayor Young’s resolution, which is being introduced by Councilman Robert Stokes, would include 15 citizen members recommended by each member of the Council, in addition to the Deans of the local Law Schools. The Commission would be required to issue a report to the City Council on the 13 proposed charter amendments by June 1. The deadline for placing a charter amendment on the ballot for voters is in August.

“I support any action that allows for real participation from the public,” Councilman Stokes said. “This resolution offers us an opportunity to truly engage our constituents on important matters that will impact their lives going forward.”

Councilman Leon Pinkett also supports the resolution. “I commend the Equity and Structure Committee for their efforts to truly engage the public in the review of the Charter amendments that are currently before the Council,” Councilman Pinkett said. “The matters that we are considering warrant that we would exercise an abundance of engagement and diligence in our deliberations. This proposed review commission affords us that opportunity while not hindering the current efforts.”

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