Annual Town Meeting
Apr 3rd 2008DebGovernment
No matter what you think of it, the Annual Town Meeting for the City of Champaign Township is grassroots democracy in action. You show up sign in and partcipate. At the past two meetings ballot questions have been approved as advisory referenda. If you feel strongly about an issue and want to see it on the ballot or feel strongly that something shouldn’t be on the ballot (as an advisory referendum) come to the meeting April 8, 2008 at the City Council Chambers at 6:55 P.M. and let your voice be heard. It is a good chance to meet other people who care about our community and who are interested in government and democracy. You can find the agenda here.
Also from the Township website at this spot
Township is a grass roots form of government. It is often described as “the last true form of democracy.” Township government is the oldest form of government in our country formed to be closest to the people. Although townships are governed by an elected Board of Trustees, this form of government gives a unique role to the average voter through the mechanism of the Annual Town Meeting.
At the Annual Meeting, voters, otherwise known as electors, can take a large number of actions concerning the Township. Township electors can directly authorize through a motion many of the powers that are regularly exercised by the Board of Trustees. This includes, authorizing an advisory referenda to be placed on the ballot by the County Clerk.