The League of Women Voters of Lorain County — formerly known as the LWV of the Oberlin Area — invites Oberlin residents to join a forum on the proposed Oberlin City Charter amendments on the March 19 primary election ballot. The Feb. 28 program will be in the Oberlin Public Library Community Room beginning at 6:30 p.m. 

Oberlin residents voting in the March 19 primary election will decide the fate of seven amendments to the Oberlin City Charter — issues 9–11. All voters, even those who consider themselves independents, should plan to vote in the coming election. Voters can request a Democrat, Republican, or issues-only ballot.  

Every 10 years, Oberlin City Council appoints a Charter Review Committee. That 11-member committee met in 2023 and proposed several changes, which they presented to the City Council for approval to be placed on the March primary election ballot. 

Three members of the Charter Review Committee will lead the Feb. 28 discussion. Farah Emeka, Oberlin’s prosecuting attorney, will moderate; Linda Slocum, committee secretary, will present the rationale and arguments for the changes; Frank Carlson, attorney, will outline negative arguments. Questions and discussion will follow the presentation.

The most significant amendment proposed is to the term limits for Oberlin City Council members. Currently, all seven councilors serve two-year terms. The new proposal is for staggered four-year terms. Voters can review all of the proposed Oberlin charter amendments at the LWV’s online voter guide at VOTE411.org. 

Those attending this informative meeting will also be able to pick up literature provided by various candidates on the March 19 primary ballot.