IRVINGTON—As the Irvington Town Council has begun investigating possibilities of town sewer and other costly capital improvement projects, some residents are calling for a referendum clause in the town charter.
During a Thursday, March 14, council meeting, resident Marsha Chapman submitted a petition and letters of support with 191 signatures of registered voters and/or property owners calling for a referendum.
According to Chapman, a public referendum would be utilized in determining the approval of incurring corporate debt. Chapman added that public referendums pose no threat to leadership that recognizes the entire public as its constituent.
“A public referendum is power to the people,” she said.
Resident George Kuper also spoke in favor of a public referendum. Kuper said the majority of residents are in favor of amending the town’s charter to include provisions for a referendum.
David Cheek additionally spoke in support of a referendum, saying it would protect residents from future leadership that may have its own agenda. He said issues that will determine generational debt should be left to public decision.
Residents Anthony Marchetti and Ruth Fuller spoke in opposition to the idea.
According to Marchetti, residents elect officials to make decisions on the public’s behalf. Marchetti added that many residents in town may not have a real investment in the greater future of the town, but may vote more for their immediate interests rather than….
