Politics & Government

Dunedin Charter Amendment 2: What a Yes Vote Means

Here's a look at Dunedin Charter Amendment 2 and what a yes vote on it means at the polls.

Dunedin Patch has created a guide on each of the six city amendments. Here's a look at Dunedin Charter Amendment 2 and what a yes vote on it means at the polls.

Amendment 2: Providing for a Definition of the Term "Convicted" of an Elected Official

The language on the ballot will look like this:

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Shall the City Charter, pursuant to Ordinance 12-17, be amended to provide that the term "convicted" shall be defined as a determination of guilt that is the result of a plea or trial, regardless of whether adjudication is withheld?

This question is asking voters if it should broaden the definition of a "conviction" in the city charter.

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As it stands, the city charter makes a reference to the word convicted in the section explaining that elected officials are required to step down from their seat if they are "convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude."

A "yes" vote would add clarification in the city's governing document that defines "convicted" to mean that even if a court withholds judgement on the elected official's guilt or innocence of a crime, the city charter would define the person as "guilty" and require him or her to leave office.


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