BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN
What they’re saying
What’s next
Community reaction has centered on how much power the amendments could shift inside city hall. Conroe, Vote No, opposes the entire slate of proposed amendments. “If passed, these amendments would funda- mentally restructure our ... government to be less responsive to its citizens,” Michelle Martin, resident and member of Conroe, Vote No, said. Supporters, however, say the changes aim to modernize city operations and strengthen accountability. “It’s time for Conroe to become more profes- sional,” Resident Cherie Murphy said. “We need good governance to move the city forward.” Kim Attaya, a Conroe resident and board member of the Conroe Industrial Development Corp., said while not every suggestion at the town halls made it onto the final ballot language, “this is how democracy works,” and that proposals were discussed before City Council finalized the list. “We need to strengthen the code of ethics and
Election Day is Nov. 4. Early voting takes place Oct. 20–31. By law, canvassing must occur within 11 days of Election Day, and any approved amendments would take effect immediately unless a later date is specified within the amendment, Scott said. If amendments fail, council could revisit them in future charter elections. However, if at least one passes, no additional charter election can be held for two years, per Article 11 of the Texas Constitution.
"If you read down through all of these propositions, they just make good business sense. It’s time to update it—it’s time to be reasonable about it.” DOUG FRANKHOUSER, CONROE RESIDENT For
“This isn’t modernization; it’s a deliberate
reduction in citizen oversight.” JOHN SELLARS, CONROE RESIDENT, MEMBER OF CONROE, VOTE NO Against
Conroe polling locations
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financial disclosure rules to improve transparency and accountability,” Attaya said. Both sides agree the amendments could shape how Conroe grows and governs in the years ahead.
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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION
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