GCC wants charter change vote

GAINESVILLE - The Gainesville City Council has opened the books again on a proposal to have the mayor elected instead of appointed from members of the council.

The council voted Tuesday night to send a resolution to the Hall County state legislative delegation asking that the amended charter delivered to state lawmakers more than a year ago be introduced in the General Assembly.

Councilman Bob Hamrick cast the only "no" vote. Hamrick, who has served on the council for more than 40 years, has said the current system works well.

Voters gave their approval to the change in a non-binding referendum in November 2009 by a vote of 55 percent to 45 percent.