• David Tewes •
• Originally published January 5, 2009 at 11:42 p.m., updated January 5, 2009 at 11:42 p.m.

A taxpayers group intent on changing Victoria's city charter will get a chance to pitch its proposal to a competing group.

A committee appointed by Mayor Will Armstrong meets at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Council Chamber to continue looking into ways to revise Victoria's charter.

Armstrong said he has invited a representative from the Citizens for Responsible Government to present details on a separate charter revision effort it is conducting.

"I just gave them an opportunity to explain what their motives are and what benefit this would be for the taxpayers," Armstrong said. "It would give us a chance if we have questions to ask those questions."

If the group is unable to finish its presentation Tuesday, the mayor's group will meet again at 3:30 p.m. Thursday in the Council Chamber.

Russell Pruitt, a spokesman for Citizens for Responsible Government, said he accepted the offer.

"I feel like we can explain where we're coming from and give our side of the story," he said.

Pruitt said he's expecting the mayor's group to have an open mind.

"I feel like we can convince them," he said.

The taxpayers group changes would set terms limits for all elected city officials to no more than two three-terms and change the uniform election date from May to November, when voter turnout is usually higher.

The council would be prohibited from spending tax dollars on behalf of any indicted city official, unless approved by the voters.

It would also require that the city attorney, now appointed by the council, become an elected official.

Petition signature requirements for referendum and recall powers would be reduced from 10 to 5 percent of the qualified voters. The Victoria County elections administrator would certify petitions instead of the city secretary.

• The Citizens for Responsible Government began its petition drive in 2008 to force the city to call a charter revision election in May.

  The group needed 1,600 signatures and a spokesman said he believes it has 1,756 that will be ...

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The Citizens for Responsible Government began its petition drive in 2008 to force the city to call a charter revision election in May.

The group needed 1,600 signatures and a spokesman said he believes it has 1,756 that will be certified by the city as eligible voters.

Mayor Will Armstrong appointed his group after the tax group began its work. It's possible both groups will have their proposed amendments on the May ballot.

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