Left of College Station

Karen Hall presented the Bryan City Council with two petitions; one of which the citizens of Bryan signed in support of requiring only two city council members to place an item on the City Council agenda and another that requested that the council review its “hear citizens” policy.

In August leftofaggieland reported how the Bryan City Council made it harder for the voice of the community to be heard.

The purpose of the City Council is to serve the residents of Bryan, and government at times can be an extensive and arduous process. The idea of preventing discussion of topics because of the lack of majority support goes against the very ideals of democratic government.

The people of Bryan have spoken, and over 1,400 people signed the petition to return the requirement to place items on the agenda to two city council members.

According to Part I Section 9 of the City Charter:

Any proposed ordinance may be submitted to the City Council by a petition signed by qualified voters of the city equal in number to 10 percent of the qualified voters of the city as appears in the county voter registration records as of the January 31st preceding the date of submission of the petition.

The City Secretary has ten working days (until January 27^th) to certify the petition; if the petition is found to have the required number of signatures it must be placed on the ballot for the May 9, 2009 municipal election. 

Hopefully the voices of Bryan residents have been heard as Karen Hall once said:

“Although we appreciate you taking the time to listen to us, someday we hope you will learn to hear us.”