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"It is not the function of our Government to keep the citizen from falling into error; it is the function of the citizen to keep the Government from falling into error."
-U.S. Supreme Court in American Communications Association v. Douds, 339 U.S. 382-442
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| CCI challenges election results |
| Thursday, 19 June 2008 |
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By Steve Browne
Valley City Times-Record
The Committee for Community Involvement (CCI) announced Wednesday it is challenging the results of the June 10 election in which a CCI-sponsored initiative to abolish the position of Valley City Administrator was defeated.
In a letter to Valley City Attorney R. Jon Fitzner, Mandan attorney John Gosbee representing CCI asserted that the language on the ballot contained editorial comments and inaccurate information.
The ballot initiative stated, “A yes vote will approve the initiated ordinance prohibiting the future employment of a new city administrator but will not affect the employment of the current city administrator.”
Gosbee said that a 1987 opinion by then-North Dakota Attorney-General Nicholas Spaeth, involving an employment contract between the city of Fargo and a city administrator, established “a contract may not extend beyond the term of office of any member of the body in question.”
Current city administrator Jon Cameron was hired on a three-year contract, automatically renewable on a yearly basis. Three Valley City Commission terms will expire in two years.
In the letter, Gosbee also alleged vote counting irregularities. Citing state law requiring ballots to be counted in the precincts “except in unusual and compelling circumstances,” Gosbee said ballots were counted at the courthouse in many or all cases.
For full story, see Thursday's edition of the Valley City Times-Record.
Click here to read Mr. Gosbee's letter to Mr.Fitzner
Check back for updates
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| Tuesday, 03 June 2008 |
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By Steve Browne
Valley City Times-Record
The Valley City Commission cut off discussion of the legality of the employment contract of city administrator Jon Cameron at its regular Monday night meeting, citing the North Dakota Century Code prohibiting discussion of anything pertaining to an election in meetings of government bodies immediately before the election.
Robert Drake attempted to bring up a North Dakota Attorney General's 1987 opinion about the city of Fargo's contract with a city administrator.
According to the opinion of then-Attorney General Nicholas Spaeth, “a governing body may not enter into a contract for the employment of a city administrator for a term extending beyond the term of office of any member of that governing body.”
Two of the current city commissioners' terms expire in two years. Cameron's employment contract is for three years, with automatic renewals yearly.
On the ballot of the Tuesday, June 10, election is an initiative to abolish the position of city administrator.
Looks like Bob Drake is right again. Read Attorney General's opinion click here
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Jail News
Jail co-op proposal falters
| Steele County quits jail, wants money back and audit |
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