Initiative, referendum powers could come to Sammamish in early October

Sammamish residents could have initiative and referendum powers by Oct. 11 — as long as the Sammamish City Council passes the legislation at the Tuesday, July 21, meeting and citizens don’t stop it in the meantime.

By Megan Campbell • July 15, 2015 7:29 pm

Sammamish residents could have initiative and referendum powers by Oct. 11 — as long as the Sammamish City Council passes the legislation at the Tuesday, July 21, meeting and citizens don’t stop it in the meantime.

The council had its first reading of the ordinance Tuesday, July 14. The legislation would grant residents limited powers to create or repeal laws within the city by way of petition.

The council decided to put the matter up to the public in the April special election. That nonbinding advisory vote passed at 55 percent approval with a 24 percent voter turnout.

The council passed 5-2 an intent to adopt citizen-enacted initiative and referendum powers during its July 7 meeting. The resolution was published July 13, giving citizens 90 days to gather signatures for a referendum that would stop the ordinance. Appealing the decision is only necessary if the council approves the ordinance July 21.