HRP - 12-5-13 (BOA Vacancy, 25 days proposed) — File 196051

SECTION 1. The third, fourth, and fifth sentences of section 7 of chapter 240 of the acts of 1899, as most recently amended by chapter 400 of the Acts of 2012, is hereby further amended by striking out said sentences and inserting in place thereof the following text: If the full number of members in the office of alderman-at-large has not been elected, or if a vacancy occurs in the office of alderman-at-large for any cause, the city clerk shall within five calendar days notify the board of aldermen and the chairperson of the board of election commissioners thereof. Within five calendar days after such notification, said chairperson or his or her designee shall certify, in writing to the city clerk, the defeated candidate for the office of alderman-at-large with the next number of highest votes from the regular municipal election at which aldermen-at-large were elected for the term in which the vacancy occurs, and if such individual is eligible and willing to serve the city clerk shall administer the oath of office to such individual within fifteen calendar days after said certification, to serve as alderman-at-large for the unexpired term. If the person who is eligible declines the office, is not eligible and willing to serve, or fails to take such oath of office within the time period set forth above, then the person with the next highest number of votes at such election who is eligible and willing to serve shall fill the remainder of the unexpired term in the manner set forth herein. If there is no such defeated candidate eligible and willing to serve and who has taken such oath of office, and said vacancy occurs more than 180 days prior to any regular municipal election, the board of aldermen shall forthwith order a special election to fill such vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term. If the full number of members in the office of alderman elected by ward has not been elected, or if a vacancy occurs in the office of alderman elected by ward for any cause more than 180 days prior to any regular municipal election, the board of aldermen shall forthwith order a special election to fill such vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term. If a vacancy occurs 180 days or less prior to any regular municipal election in the office of alderman-at-large, for which there is no such defeated candidate eligible and willing to serve and who has taken such oath of office, or in the office of alderman elected by ward, for any cause, RELATIVE TO THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF SOMERVILLE REFILE OF PREVIOUS MATTER: BILL #: OF YEAR: Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

- 2 - then the person elected at the next regular municipal election for such office shall fill the remainder of the unexpired term and the city clerk shall administer the oath of office to such individual at the next meeting of the board of aldermen. SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage.

- 3 - AN ACT RELATIVE TO THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF SOMERVILLE PETITION ___________ To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court Assembled. The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the passage of the accompanying bill or resolve. PETITIONERS: LEGISLATOR/CITIZEN DISTRICT/FULL MAILING ADDRESS CHIEF SPONSOR:

- 4 - Use "TABLE > INSERT > ROWS BELOW" to add more lines for petitioners' signatures.