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REVIEWING GOVERNING: Locals find more common ground than disputes at election info meeting

Alison Hirsch, left, and Jennifer Ayers, both of Williamsport, explain home rule governing during a meeting on city government studies referendums at the West End Christian Community Center Tuesday.

The goal was to clear up lingering confusion about the upcoming municipal general election on Nov. 7 and answering any and all questions.

That was the result for the 20 or so people who seemed satisfied and found more understanding of the election process after attending an informational meeting Tuesday night at the West End Christian Community Center, 901 W. Fourth St. in Newberry.

“People need to know this,” said Debra Thomas. “It’s too important not to know what’s going on.”

City resident and registered voter Ryan Adams asked if there was any “collaboration” amongst the individuals who were seeking spots on a government study commission to examine home rule law.

Almost instantly after asking the question, some of these candidates in that block of six dispelled any such notion, indicating instead that they were advocating for home rule to be added to create a city that has more options such as term limits or recalls.

Registered voter Vincent Noviello said he wanted assurance there were no “preconceived notions” for those favoring home rule study.

Even before these specific questions arose, Forrest Lehman, director of Lycoming County Voter Services, did his best to explain how his department staff was close to finalizing the ballot.

He noted that anyone who votes straight ticket would need to move their eyes down toward the bottom of the ballot and cast their votes for either the charter or government study commissioners, or they would not register a vote for either.

Each must, by law, contain seven elected members, he said. The electorate could decide on two commissions looking at forms of government applicable to third class city’s such as Williamsport, Lehman said. The electorate could also decide to vote in favor of the two referendum questions, or one or both, and not select the commissioners.

Lehman, who remained a neutral party at the meeting, said he could only explain the process for electing the nonpartisan candidates for the unpaid offices and he reminded voters the results the night of Nov. 7 would remain “unofficial” until all votes were counted, including write-ins and any lingering votes from the military personnel.

Council President Jonathan Williamson, who directed the meeting with even keel down the middle, said his greatest concern is that voters are confused and therefore don’t decide on either of the study commissions.

“Both advocate for a study and decisions to be made by the public,” Williamson said.

“We can change the system of government by initiating referendums and asking for recalls,” said Alison D. Hirsch, a candidate for local government study commissioner.

For Alannah Gabriel the meeting’s result created a cordial dialogue, one that allows voters to “know where you are as a city and where you want to go” and, she said, that was “exciting.”

Two or three similar public information sessions will be scheduled for different parts of the city, said Randall J. Allison, council vice president.

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