Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird says the City Council intends to send any legally sufficient charter amendment petitions to voters, but she is defending the council’s right to follow its established public process before doing so.
Her comments followed an advisory opinion from Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers concerning proposed Lincoln Charter amendments. Hilgers said submitting a legally sufficient citizen petition to voters is a ministerial duty and that the city cannot use local procedures to prevent a proposal from reaching the ballot.
The opinion came as Lancaster County election officials worked to verify signatures ahead of the September 1 ballot-certification deadline. Gaylor Baird said the City Council already understands its obligation…