NEW: Collected articles & letters to the editor on the Nov. 8 referendum to change to a ward system

Monday, November 7, 2011

Editor’s Note: We’ve archived all pieces published in NCNOW on the subject of the November 8 referendum to increase the number of town board members from four to six and to elect them by geographic ward rather than as “at-large” candidates.  Included are reports of the League of Women Voters’ forum on the subject, as well as the League’s decision to recommend voting against it.

The two-part proposal will appear in the November 8 referendum as a single statement to which voters will answer Yes or No. It will read as follows:

“That a) the number of at-large seats on the Town Board be increased from four to six;

and

b) that these six members of the Board be elected as representatives of each of six wards respectively of the Town of New Castle, to be defined in accordance with the laws of New York State, Town Law, Article 6, Section 85.”

From NCNOW.org’s archives (newest to oldest):

Letter to the Editor:  A Case for including the “Town” in Town Board, Monday, November 7, 2011, by Charles Napoli, Architect

Letter to the Editor: Town Board Expansion – The Representation Referendum, Monday, November 7, 2011 by David Metz

Letter to the Editor: Why I Am Voting “Yes” This Election Day, November 4, 2011, by Linda McGetrick

Letter to the Editor: Why I’m voting YES for the ward redistricting resolution, October 28, 2011, by The Rev. Dr. Joel Clark Mason

Letter to the Editor:  The Referendum Committee responds to specific questions posted on NCNOW, November 4, 2011 by Manny Areces

Letter to the Editor: Vote “No” to referendum on representation by ward, October 28, 2011, by Robin Stout

Letter to the Editor:  Nov. 8 Referendum—Vote YES for Democracy, October 28, 2011, by Penny Vane

Letter to the Editor: Why I’m voting YES for the ward redistricting resolution, October 28, 2011

Letter to the Editor: Ward system is not in the town’s best interest, October 24, 2011, by Dr. William H. Flank

Letter to the Editor: The wheeling and dealing of Yonkers ward system?  Not for New Castle, October 24, 2011, by Betty Weitz

League info forum for referendum on elections by ward draws a curious crowd, October 21, 2011

Candidates’ thoughts on the proposed referendum on representation by ward, NCNOW, October 21, 2011

Letter to the Editor: I will vote No on the proposed referendum to institute a ward system, October 21, 2011, by Rob Greenstein

See also Sewers issue surfaces in League forum on ward system referendum, 10/21/11.

Manny Areces’ website with info on the proposed referendum:  http://ncreferendum.com/

To see Gerrard’s entire statement click HERE

For background, see:

Letter to the Editor: League urges a “No” vote on ward system referendum, NCNOW.org, September 23, 2011, by Sheila Bernson and Jennifer Mebes Flagg

League of Women voters opposes ward referendum, but will hold forum on Oct. 17, NCNOW.org, September 23, 2011, by Christine Yeres

Letter to the Editor: The proposed referendum to change the structure of town board elections, NCNOW.org, September 19, 2011, by Rob Greenstein

Non-partisan group proposes expansion of town board from 4 at-large members to 6, NCNOW.org, July 1, 2011, by Susie Pender