City officials are planning a major change to our election process that they say may get more people out to vote. I agree that a change is long overdue, but I also believe that the citizens of Beckley should have a choice between what city leaders want to do and what may actually work.

The Mayor and City Council are proposing to eliminate the City's democratic primary and hold a single non-partisan, winner take all election in May. Mayor Pugh admits there is only hope that this change will increase voter turnout, but says increasing voter turnout is the primary objective.

Fact is, voter participation has been an issue for Beckley for a long time and something should have been done long ago. Our city officials are pursuing an option that has proven to do nothing more than further depress voter turnout. The logical thing to do is not only what makes sense, but what has been proven to work. I am pleased our city officials have decided to take the first step, but I feel they should present the facts and then give city voters a choice in how we move forward.

If we truly want to increase voter turnout, why not take this opportunity to coincide our city elections with the mid-term state elections? This move would increase voter turnout considerably as more city residents are aware and vote in state elections than they do in city elections. We also save money by splitting election costs with the county.

This is your opportunity to be the change that Beckley needs. Please attend the public hearing on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 7:30pm at City Hall. Get informed, get involved and help us spread the word by sharing this information, and encouraging your friends and family to get involved as well.

Feel free to email or give me a call with any questions. I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday.

Tony O. Martin