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a vote at this time. Mr. Krepela states that it is his understanding he has to <br />schedule it after 90 days of the request being presented. Mr. Mason states that <br />the Judge has absolute discretion whether to call a special election or not and <br />if he does it has to be no less than 60 days and not more than 90 days after the <br />request has been received. If a special election is not held, an election will <br />be held in November at the general election. <br /> <br />On motion of Mr. Krepela, it is resolved that this Board of Supervisors request the <br />Judge of the Circuit Court to hold a referendum on: <br /> <br /> 1. If the residents of Chesterfield County would like to change the <br /> present form of Government; and <br /> <br /> 2. If a change is desired, which form would be preferred: <br /> <br />A. County Executive <br /> <br />B0 County Manager <br /> <br />Mr. Apperson states that he does not object to this but feels that since the resi- <br />dents of the County have started this petition, the Board should not be involved. <br />He adds that he feels those persons in the County who are stirred up would be in- <br />terested in this, but that there would notbeatrue cross section and a true feeling <br />of the residents could not be obtained in a special election. <br /> <br />Mr. Krepela states that this would be up to the Judge. Mr. Apperson states that <br />he is concerned also with the cost of a special election especially since the Board <br />has been using a conservative approach with the spending of County funds. Mr. <br />Krepela states that the Board is concerned with spending money every year, but <br />the people are requesting this referendum. Mr. Horner states that he feels the <br />petition will confuse the average voter. Mrs. Finch states that the petition was <br />prepared under the direction of the County Attorney. Mr. Mason states that the <br />petition went to the Judge and the Judge sent it to him to see if it were in legal <br />form and he responded that it'was. <br /> <br />Mr. Krepela states that the petitioners are ready to go with this statement on <br />March 3rd and then they would educate the general public as quick as possible as <br />to the choices in the form of Government. Mr. Apperson asks what the gains are <br />if this petition is this close. Mr. Krepela states that the Board represents the <br />people and they sould not be so disinterested as to ignore their wishes. <br /> <br />Mrs. Length states that she feels this petition would present a problem to the <br />average citizen. Mrs. Armstrong states that she does not feel it would' cause any- <br />more of a problem than any other election. <br /> <br />Mr. Horner states that he feels the wording of this petition asks for a negative <br />vote. He adds that those wanting the government as it is now would stick together <br />and that the vote against the present form of government would split votes. He <br />states that he feels the people should have a definite choice. Mrs. Finch states <br />that the people who prepared the petition just wanted to inform the people of the <br />choices and they could pick which form they preferred. She states further that <br />they would appreciate the Board going along with this petition as they do not feel <br />it is a democratic or republican issue. <br /> <br />Mrs. Charles Elmore of the League of Women Voters states that she is present to <br />hear the discussion and that the League did not take a stand on the question but <br />does feel that it is of importance to the County and they are preparing a state- <br />ment showing the good and bad points of each form of government. Mr. Wagstaff <br />comes before the Board and states that he feels the government in Chesterfield is <br />the best in the State but he would like to see the School System brought closer <br />to the people. <br /> <br />Mr. Apperson states that he is of the opinion that there is very little to be gained <br />by changing the form of government as others in the State do not seem to be any <br />better. He states that~he cannot honestly look at any county or city in Virginia <br />and say that their form of government is so next to perfect that Chesterfield should <br />be run in the same manner. He inquires if the people on the School Board are so <br />much worse than members of this Board. Mrs. Armstrong inquires how long the School <br />Board's term of appointment is. Mr. Rudy states four years, at the pleasure of <br />the Board of Supervisors. <br /> <br />Mr. Horner states that he cannot support Mr. Krepela's motion as he does not feel <br />it is good for the County. Mr. Myers states that if a referendum is to be held, <br />he hopes a good educational program will be held. He adds further that he was <br />not surprised that 4,000 names were obtained and possibly more could have been <br />gotten. He states that he does not feel this is a party issue but does feel the <br />people should have the opportunity to say what they want. He states that he has <br />heard people everywhere discussing this issue and he feels a referendum is in <br />order. Mrs. Armstrong inquires if the Board would have any input as to the Judge'S <br />decision on when such a referendum should be held. Mr. Hornet states that they <br />could but they would not. <br /> <br />A vote being taken: <br /> <br />Ayes: Mr. Krepela. <br />Nays: Mr. Horner, Mr. Myers, Mr. Apperson and Mr. O'Neill. <br /> <br />On motion of Mr. Homer, it is resolved that the resolution from the Board read <br />that the people have a choice between the County Executive form of government or <br />what presently exists in the County. <br /> <br />The concensus of the Board is that they will not support this motion because it <br /> <br /> <br />