After several months of work, Houghton will ask voters to consider amendments to the city charter. Each municipality reviews chartering documents once a decade. The process allows communities to fit their rules to an evolving world and keep up to date on changes within their community. On November 4th, voters will determine if the four amendments will help clarify appointments, fill vacancies, and resolve language regarding conflicts of interest.
Then it had to go to the attorney general’s office and the governor’s office. And we had to make some minor changes with font and the way the formatting was. And we did that with a group of interested citizens. And they picked these four um items to then bring to council. And they turned those into amendments, which are going to be voted on in November. – Amy Zawada, city clerk, Houghton
Another amendment to the charter will integrate gender neutral language. When the city of Houghton was established, the charter’s language references men in various positions. Residents unsure if they are registered to vote can use the Michigan voter information center online. Or call the city center in Houghton to speak with city clerk Amy Zawada. Find more information here.
