As both a voter and a member of Oberlin City Council, I urge Oberlin residents to vote March 19 for all of the proposed City of Oberlin charter amendments, except for Issue 9. Issues 10–15 would, if passed, make straightforward, uncontroversial changes to our charter.  Issue 9 is different. It would double the terms of City Councilmembers from two to four years. 

I believe City Councilmembers should be as responsive to the needs of Oberlin’s citizens as possible. That’s best done by having Councilmembers face the voters every two years. I see no reason why voters should have to wait four years to vote to replace council members that they think are not serving in the best interests of the community or to vote for other candidates who they think would serve better on council. 

Passage of Issue 9 would serve the interests of council members more than the interests of voters. Voters’ interests should come first. Vote No on Issue 9.

Ray English