Looser restrictions on the voting rights of felons and increased regulation of mopeds are among the programs the Charlottesville City Council wants to receive priority in the 2006 session of the Virginia General Assembly. The Council approved its legislative agenda this week in an effort to guide the regional state representatives in their role as legislators.
According to City Council member Kevin Lynch, the legislative agenda is a chance for the City to seek further authorization from the state.
"In Virginia, local governments have only the specific power given to them by the state," Lynch said. "The agenda is a composite of the things that citizens or the Council and staff have been looking for that need the additional support of the state."
Lynch said the effect of the Council's agenda will be seen in the General Assembly through the bills that local representatives introduce and support.
According to City officials, a reduction in the voting restrictions placed on felons is a main concern for the Council.
"There should be a more fair process for felons to get their voting rights back," Lynch said.
Currently, felons who have fulfilled their sentences must petition the governor to regain their voting rights. The Council is advocating a shorter process in which a judge could restore an individual's ability to vote.
"I think it is a looming civil rights issue," Council Member Kendra Hamilton said. "By some estimates 5 million people are not allowed to vote because of things in their past. If people have offenses that were committed decades ago but are otherwise good members of society, there is no reason for the process to be so difficult. Voting is a fundamental right of our democracy."
According to Hamilton, taking the governor out of the process of restoring voting rights would require a constitutional amendment.
The Council also included on its agenda provisions for more affordable housing, increased funding for juvenile justice and child welfare programs in the community and an improved ability to regulate mopeds.
According to Lynch, the City has received complaints about mopeds causing excessive noise pollution.
"People have been using mopeds but taking the mufflers off," Lynch said. "They can make a lot of noise going through neighborhoods."
Hamilton said the Council does not necessarily expect the General Assembly to address the programs on the legislative agenda.
"They are not responsive," Hamilton said. "They love to see our legislative agenda and hold it up and laugh."
Hamilton said through its agenda, however, the Council can introduce programs and begin educating people about its position on certain issues.
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