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77 Mid Oaks Lane Roseville, MN 55113 April 10, 2002 Election Year Committee Chairperson: As I am unable to attend this evening's meeting, I would appreciate the opportunity to have my opinions included in the report. I have only one general concern. If it is decided that there should be a change to even year elections, I strongly feel that our officials should not be allowed to lengthen any of their current terms. Since I believe they will not vote to shorten their own terms, I believe that if a change to even year elections is decided upon it should not take effect until 2006. This would allow anyone running for office to be aware of the change and the timing when deciding whether or not to run for an elected office. I do support the current odd year election schedule for the following reasons. Pro Odd Year Elections: 1. It allows us to focus on local issues, including those of our school district which currently also follows the odd year schedule. 2. It is more likely that those persons voting will be informed and interested in the issues being presented. 3. It encourages participation in local government since there is no national election competing for volunteers and money. 4. It provides a simpler ballot making the possibility of voting errors less likely. 5. It is easier to vote in the odd year elections because there are fewer people interested in local issues. 6. The Roseville Charter Commission voted unanimously to keep the odd year election format. Although there might be some modest savings in running only one election, the cost is so small as to be insignificant. This issue was reviewed and studied many years ago and again by our current Charter Commission. In both cases the decision was clear-the odd year schedule is the best for our community. It is time to move on to some more important issues. Sincerely, Tam McGehee