Richardson Voters Faced 83 Amendments To City's Charter

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RICHARDSON (CBSDFW.COM) - On this election day in North Texas, voting may have proven to be the biggest challenge in Richardson.

Besides considering seven statewide propositions, and a $115 million bond measure, voters are also considering making dozens of changes to the city charter -- 83 to be exact.

"I'm prepared to spend some time inside. I have my guard dog watching the car. I've read through them all amazingly," said Donna Randle.

She went into the polling place at 12:10 p.m.

Dave and Gayle Seibel said it took them 20 minutes to cast their ballots. "We had our cheat sheets."
When asked if their notes proved helpful, Mr. Siebel said, "Sure, otherwise you'd be in there all day."

Another voter, Carol Moore said she was "overwhelmed" at first. She said she did her homework on the proposed charter amendments before coming to the Dartmouth Elementary polling place to vote. "It took me 20 minutes and I already knew how I was going to vote."

Throughout the city, signs are posted in support and opposition of the amendments. The city said the large number of amendments is necessary because the last charter review was 26 years ago.

As for the Seibels, they approved this message to city leaders. "Don't do it again."

After Tater (the guard dog) patiently waited for Donna Randle, she finally emerged from the polling place at 12:32, 22 minutes later. "It is a long time to vote, but it's important to read everything and understand what you're voting for or against," she said.

The proposed changes include how to replace the Mayor if he or she decides to leave office early.
Some of the amendments surprised Randle. "You shouldn't have to put up to voters to be able to correct spelling and grammar errors."

When asked what number proposition that was, she didn't hesitate to answer: "It was 83."

To make things easier, the League of Women Voters in Richardson developed a guide on all the proposed changes to the charter and the bond measure. It took volunteers 300 hours to do it.

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