Waukesha County Judge Patrick Snyder today directed the Watertown Common Council to either adopt a troop withdrawal referendum question submitted by petitioners, or place it on the April ballot. The story can be found in the Watertown Daily Times.
The morally challenged Watertown Common Council, most of whom displayed an utter contempt for democratic processes last month, almost certainly will not vote to adopt the referendum. But it looks like even they will no longer be able to obstruct the will of the people to place it on the April ballot.
Judge Snyder's decision is important for Oshkosh activists who might attempt to get the referendum question on the ballot in November. The decision contradicts the bureaucrats, editorialists, and politicians who have been insisting since August that a troop withdrawal referendum question is not a matter for direct legislation.
Finally, it should be noted that the Watertown Common Council's hostility to its own citizens will now cost the city money. According to the report:
As part of a condition of the civil action, the city must cover [Watertown Peace and Democracy Coalition representative Penny] Eiler's court costs and attorney fees. City Clerk Mike Hoppenrath said today he has no idea of what the costs are and will probably not know until the bill is received.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Actually, it was the peace group that cost the city money.
Actually, it was the Council that cost the city money by challenging the right of the people to place an item on the ballot even though they had met the requirements of 9.20. No challenge = no court costs.
I guess that is your opinion. if the peace group wouldn't have fought for a referendum question that has nothing to do with city politics then it wouldn't have happened. Can you tell me why they would fight over this if the votes won't matter to the pullout of troops?
Come on Chicklets, give an answer!
Post a Comment