UPDATED with video: Concerned citizens deliver referendum petition to city building
Lead Summary
By
Caitlin Forsha-crforsha@gmail.com
Members of the group Hillsboro Concerned Citizens United presented a referendum petition to place the Hillsboro Fire Department issue on the ballot for the November 2014 general election to Hillsboro City Auditor Gary Lewis Tuesday morning.
Nearly 20 members of the group arrived at the Hillsboro City Building for the submission of the petition, which reads:
"We, the undersigned, electors of the City of Hillsboro, Ohio, respectfully order that Resolution No. 13-34, passed by the Council of said City on the 12th day of November, 2013, be submitted to the electors of such City for their approval or rejection at the general election to be held on the 4th day of November, 2014."
Resolution No. 13-34 is the resolution authorizing the city to enter into an agreement with the Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire District.
Members Kirby Ellison and Ryan Passet said that the group collected 381 signatures from registered city voters for the petition, after collecting over 400 signatures in a previous effort.
The referendum does not call for a special election, Ellison said, nor does she expect a special election to be scheduled.
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After Lewis time stamped the documents, Ellison answered questions about the Hillsboro Concerned Citizens United group, which Ellison said was "formed out of concern for what was taking place with the Hillsboro Fire Department."
"We feel that such an important decision regarding our safety should go before the public," Ellison said. "We're just concerned for the city of Hillsboro.
"We feel Hillsboro deserves its citizens having a voice. If there's going to be change in our community, it has to be with the citizens, and not arbitrated or legislated."
Ellison said the group is currently informal but that they would "have to be more open to the public" as it continues to grow.
"We have a very large diverse group, with every social and economic background," Ellison said.
The group is open to new participants, Ellison said, and more information on joining the group and its mission can be visiting their Facebook page, "Hillsboro Concerned Citizens Taking Back Our City."
Nearly 20 members of the group arrived at the Hillsboro City Building for the submission of the petition, which reads:
"We, the undersigned, electors of the City of Hillsboro, Ohio, respectfully order that Resolution No. 13-34, passed by the Council of said City on the 12th day of November, 2013, be submitted to the electors of such City for their approval or rejection at the general election to be held on the 4th day of November, 2014."
Resolution No. 13-34 is the resolution authorizing the city to enter into an agreement with the Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire District.
Members Kirby Ellison and Ryan Passet said that the group collected 381 signatures from registered city voters for the petition, after collecting over 400 signatures in a previous effort.
The referendum does not call for a special election, Ellison said, nor does she expect a special election to be scheduled.
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After Lewis time stamped the documents, Ellison answered questions about the Hillsboro Concerned Citizens United group, which Ellison said was "formed out of concern for what was taking place with the Hillsboro Fire Department."
"We feel that such an important decision regarding our safety should go before the public," Ellison said. "We're just concerned for the city of Hillsboro.
"We feel Hillsboro deserves its citizens having a voice. If there's going to be change in our community, it has to be with the citizens, and not arbitrated or legislated."
Ellison said the group is currently informal but that they would "have to be more open to the public" as it continues to grow.
"We have a very large diverse group, with every social and economic background," Ellison said.
The group is open to new participants, Ellison said, and more information on joining the group and its mission can be visiting their Facebook page, "Hillsboro Concerned Citizens Taking Back Our City."