LETTER: League of Women Voters on Election Date Change
TO THE EDITOR OF THE FALLS CHURCH TIMES:
In recent weeks, there has been much discussion about a proposal to change the date of the Falls Church City elections from May to November. In 2001, the League of Women Voters of Falls Church (LWV-FC) addressed this issue in a thoughtful and thorough informational report. We appreciate the widespread interest in our report, but caution that because it was completed several years ago, some of the information is, naturally, out of date. The study can be found on our website at www.lwvfallschurch.org.
We are gratified that this report has received so much attention. As it always has, the LWV-FC has given the citizens of Falls Church a reasoned and unbiased assessment of the pros and cons of this issue. We will continue, in any way that we can, to provide information to voters on this and other issues through forums and voters guides.
At the time of the study, the League did not take a position on moving the city elections to November and is not prepared to do so at this time. However, the League believes that it would be a mistake to rush to make such a change before the end of the year, as the citizens of Falls Church will not have a chance to review and fully understand the tradeoffs involved in such a timeframe. It is important that this decision be made in an atmosphere that is non-biased and apolitical. It is the hope of the League that as this process moves forward, proponents of both sides of the issue will treat the views of their opponents with respect.
We look forward to being part of this important decision and urge the Council to take the time to help educate the citizens of Falls Church and to listen to all sides of the issue so that an informed decision can be made.
Sincerely,
ELLEN SALSBURY
President, League of Women Voters of Falls Church
Letters to the Editor should be submitted to contact@fallschurchtimes.com. They may be on any subject relevant to our City. Writers should include their full name and city of residence. All submissions are subject to editing.
By (see byline)
November 17, 2009
This statement from the above letter from the LOWV via Ms. Salsbury needs to be re-emphasized:
“… the League believes that it would be a mistake to rush to make such a change before the end of the year…”
Are you listening council?
Mr. Smythe, you must be “old guard”. The Mayor led “new guard” is for it. What a joke her comments were on this… labeling all who oppose her view as old guard and those who share her view as new guard. What kind of point is she trying to make with such a general statement and what is her purpose in labeling individuals?