DEANA STROISCH
The State Journal-Register
Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin, who pushed for the ballot measure, isn’t celebrating yet. “Until the mayor signs the resolution, it’s not over yet,” he said. “I hope the mayor will say: ‘Let the voters speak.”
Houston: Too expensive
But he did voice opposition to the idea again during Tuesday’s meeting, saying the city’s 23 union contracts would have to be renegotiated to reimpose a residency requirement. “It’s a very expensive question for the city of Springfield,” he said. “And nowhere on that referendum question will the voters of this community have any idea as to what this is going to cost them.”
His proposal, which failed 4-6, would have required city employees hired after Sept. 1 to live in the city. Voting in favor of Houston’s proposal were: Lesko, Ward 6 Ald. Cory Jobe, Ward 8 Ald. Kris Theilen and Ward 10 Ald. Tim Griffin.
McMenamin, a residency proponent, voted against the mayor’s proposal because he said there was no guarantee the mayor would not turn around and veto it. Tuesday’s decision was made during a special city council meeting called to reconsider last week’s split vote.
Tuesday’s vote was 7-2-1, with Theilen voting “present.” Asked why, Theilen said he had cast his vote last week. (He voted no.)
How they voted
To put an advisory referendum on a city employee residency requirement on the Nov. 6 ballot: 7-2-1
Edwards: Yes
Simpson: Yes
Turner: Yes
Lesko: Yes
Cahnman:Yes
Jobe: No
McMenamin: Yes
Theilen: Present
Dove: Yes
Griffin: No
Joe McMenamin for Ward 7 