Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- start [2026/02/18 23:33] – [Petition] admin
+++ start [2026/03/03 11:33] (current) – [Myths vs Facts] admin
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 ====== Democracy. Direct. ======
-Proposition Zero is an [[charter_amendment|amendment]] to Burlington's municipal charter consisting of a "Powers of the People" section similar to those found in [[comparisons|Vermont's other cities' and towns']].
+Proposition Zero is a proposed  [[charter_amendment|charter amendment]] giving Burlington voters three new tools to participate directly in city decision‑making: initiatives, referendums, and advisory questions.
-====== Petition =======
+Burlington stands in contrast to the vast majority of [[comparisons|Vermont's other cities' and towns']], where voters' right to participate in municipal decision-making is [[comparisons|enshrined in their charter documents]], reflecting Vermont's cherished tradition of direct, townhall-style democracy.
+[[https://forms.gle/cbxyG4DRysVHo69N7|Click here to sign up for Town Meeting Day canvassing shift(s).]]
+===== Petition =====
 The proposed amendment's language is contained in the petition for charter amendment, which will require supporting signatures from at least 5% of Burlington voters. **Our goal is to get Proposition Zero as a question on this year's General Election ballot in November.** Please see the detailed timeline below.
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 [[https://forms.gle/cbxyG4DRysVHo69N7|Click here to sign up for Town Meeting Day canvassing shift(s).]]
 ++++ Learn more about the campaign |
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 <milestone title="Campaign Launch" description="Get involved!" data="Feb">
-[[form_tmd_signup|Sign up for a Town Meeting Day canvassing shift]]
+[[https://forms.gle/cbxyG4DRysVHo69N7|Click here to sign up for Town Meeting Day canvassing shift(s).]]
 [[form_partner_signup|Sign up your organization as partner]]
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 ++++
+===== FAQ =====
+==== FAQ: Proposed Burlington Charter Amendment — Direct Democratic Powers ====
+=== What is this charter amendment about? ===
+It would add a new Article X to the Burlington City Charter giving voters three direct democratic tools: initiatives, referendums, and advisory questions. These tools allow residents to place proposals, challenges, or public‑sentiment questions directly on the ballot.
+=== What is an initiative? ===
+An initiative is a voter‑proposed ordinance or resolution.
+If residents gather signatures from 5% of registered voters, the City Council must either adopt the proposal or place it on the ballot for a citywide vote.
+=== What is a referendum? ===
+A referendum allows voters to reconsider an ordinance passed by the City Council.
+If residents gather signatures from 5% of registered voters within 45 days of the ordinance’s adoption, the ordinance is paused until voters decide whether to uphold or reject it.
+=== What is an advisory question? ===
+An advisory question is a nonbinding public‑sentiment question placed on the ballot.
+With signatures from 5% of registered voters, residents can ask the community to weigh in on any municipal issue. The results guide policymakers but do not create or change laws.
+=== Why are these tools being proposed? ===
+They give Burlington residents more ways to participate in city decision‑making.
+These tools can help ensure that major decisions reflect community values and increase transparency and accountability.
+=== Do other Vermont towns have similar powers? ===
+Yes. Most Vermont [[comparisons|municipalities including Montpelier, Winooski, South Burlington, Rutland, and others]] already use initiatives, referendums, and advisory questions. Burlington’s proposal follows similar structures and thresholds.
+=== Why is the signature threshold 5%? ===
+Five percent is a common standard in Vermont municipal charters.
+It ensures that proposals have meaningful community support while keeping the process accessible.
+=== How does the petition process work? ===
+- Residents gather signatures (5% of registered voters).
+- The petition is filed with the City Clerk.
+- The Clerk verifies signatures.
+- Certified petitions go to the City Council.
+- Measures appear on the next regular or special election ballot.
+- Voters decide.
+=== Does this amendment change how elections are run? ===
+No. All elections would continue to follow Vermont law.
+The amendment only adds new ways for voters to place items on the ballot.
+=== Are advisory questions binding? ===
+No. Advisory questions express public sentiment but do not create or change laws.
+They help City leaders understand community priorities.
+=== Where can I read the full text of the amendment? ===
+The complete language of the proposed amendment is on this website above and will also be available through the Burlington City Clerk’s Office.
+Voters should confirm all election information with trusted official sources.
+===== Myths vs Facts =====
+=== MYTH 1: “This amendment gives voters too much power over the City Council.” ===
+**FACT:** The amendment simply adds tools that already exist in several Vermont towns. The City Council still passes ordinances, sets budgets, and governs day‑to‑day. These voter tools only activate when 5% of registered voters sign a petition.
+=== MYTH 2: “Initiatives will flood the ballot with proposals.” ===
+**FACT:** A 5% signature threshold is a meaningful bar. Only proposals with broad community interest are likely to qualify. Other Vermont towns with similar systems do not experience ballot overload.
+=== MYTH 3: “Referendums will overturn every Council decision.” ===
+**FACT:** Referendums apply only to ordinances and resolutions, not routine decisions. A referendum only happens if 5% of voters sign a petition within 45 days.
+=== MYTH 4: “Advisory questions will force the City to take action.” ===
+**FACT:** Advisory questions are nonbinding. They measure public sentiment and help guide policymakers, but they do not create or change laws.
+=== MYTH 5: “This amendment is unusual or unprecedented.” ===
+**FACT:** Winooski, Montpelier, and [[comparisons|other Vermont municipalities already use]] initiatives, referendums, and advisory questions. Burlington’s proposal follows the same structure and signature threshold.
+=== MYTH 6: “This will make city government slower.” ===
+**FACT:** These tools are used only when residents choose to petition. Most city decisions proceed normally.
+When voters do intervene, it’s typically on issues where community input is especially important.
+=== MYTH 7: “Only special interest groups will use these tools.” ===
+**FACT:** Any Burlington resident can start a petition. The 5% signature requirement ensures that only proposals with real community support reach the ballot.
+=== MYTH 8: “This amendment changes how elections work.” ===
+**FACT:** Election procedures stay exactly the same. The amendment only adds new ways for voters to place items on the ballot.