Fiscal Note
Approximately $200 would be required to code each of the 81 tabulators, and roughly $100 would be needed to program each of the 76 AutoMark machines (for the sight impaired). An additional $1,000 would be necessary to cover the City's pro rata share of the paper ballot costs. Total costs associated with the referendum question are therefore estimated at $24,800. This funding is not currently available in the Clerk's Office 2007 Operating Budget, and would be requested from the Contingent Reserve after the election has occurred and final numbers are available.
Title
Calling for a referendum on Presidential Accountability.
Body
WHEREAS, Constitutional scholars and members of the public have expressed concerns about the current federal Administration's intent to go to war before congressional authorization, manipulation of pre-war intelligence, encouraging and countenancing torture, authorizing illegal warrantless wiretapping, and retaliating against critics to the detriment of national security; and,
WHEREAS, all elected officials should conduct their actions under the rule of law, and the Constitution provides a remedy for those who fail to uphold their oath of office to protect and reserve the Constitution of the United States; and,
WHEREAS, there is a growing chorus of calls for presidential accountability, including efforts from Senator Russ Feingold and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, that are bringing the issue to the national spotlight; and,
WHEREAS, the people and voters of the City of Madison have in the past enjoyed the opportunity to weigh in on significant public policy matters of the day via referendum; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following referendum be placed on the April 3, 2007 ballot for consideration by the voters of Madison:
"Should the Congress fully investigate the alleged wrongdoings of the federal executive branch, and, if warranted by evidence, commence proceedings to hold accountable th...
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