(April 6, 2022)
A Charter Study Convention will convene next month to consider amendments to the City Charter. The Charter requires a comprehensive citizen-led review at least every ten years. The last convention was held in 2013.
Amendments to the Charter must be passed first by the convention members and the City Council. Amendments that are approved then appear on a ballot for a public vote. This Convention is being held in 2022 so amendments can be included on the November ballot.
Mayor Stothert and the City Council have nominated 15 members. The slate must be approved by the Council. Mayor Stothert has nominated eight members:
Negil McPherson, Jr. Human Resources Manager, Green Plains
DeJaun Reddick, Executive Director, Hope Center for Kids
John Fox, Business Owner, John Fox Design
Armando Salgado, Business Owner, LingoDocs Marketing
Paul Kratz, Retired City Attorney
Julia Plucker, Attorney, lobbyist
Jorge Sotolongo, Vice-President, NAI NP Dodge
Andrew Prystai, Business Owner, Event Vesta
Members nominated by City Council:
Rev. J. Scott Barker – nominated by Council President Pete Festersen
Maxwell Morgan – Business Owner, Kush Konsolidated, nominated by Councilmember Juanita Johnson
Tim Pendrell – Nebraska Legislative Aide, nominated by Councilmember Danny Begley
Janet Bonet – Court Interpreter and neighborhood leader, nominated by Council Vice-President Vinny Palermo
Kathleen Kauth – K.T Beck Enterprises nominated by Councilman Don Rowe
Mike Kennedy – Attorney, nominated by Councilman Brinker Harding
Angie Quinn – Baxter Auto Group, nominated by Councilmember Aimee Melton
“The volunteer members represent a diverse group of citizens who bring experience in business, labor, non-profits, neighborhood leadership and government service to the Convention,” said Mayor Jean Stothert. “I appreciate your willingness to participate in this important review and encourage you to listen to all points of view and have a thorough dialogue.”
Charter amendments will be proposed by Mayor Stothert and members of the City Council. Convention members could also consider amendments proposed by citizens. Charter Convention meetings are public meetings.
The Charter Convention will begin on May 16 and must complete its work and forward recommendations to the Mayor and City Council within 10 weeks.
The City Council will vote April 12 on the ordinance to create the Convention.
https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/images/agenda/ID_22_04_05/ORD-42931.pdf