Senate Elections & Government Affairs Committee Meeting

Wednesday, January 28, 2026·34m·▶ Watch / Listen

The Senate Elections & Government Affairs Committee heard extensive and sharply divided public testimony on SS1 for SB 220, a bill to amend the charter of the Village of Arden incorporating 22 proposed changes. The committee adjourned without taking a recorded vote on the bill, leaving its outcome unclear.

Key Actions

·SS1 for SB 220 – Amend Charter of the Village of ArdenNo Vote

Controversies

Validity of the voting process used to advance SB220

Deborah Ricard argued the voting process 'does not align with Arden's direct democracy,' was never before used, and was authorized by a town meeting vote of only 30 yes and 12 no representing less than 10% of Arden's 356 total eligible voters. Senator Sickry [Seigfried] defended the process, stating 'we invited everyone from the village to vote' and it 'was very well organized.'

+ 5 more controversies

Notable Quotes

“The restrictive voting process that brought SB220 to committee does not align with Arden's direct democracy. A never before used voting process was decided by motion at a town meeting vote count. 30 yes, 12 no. Those yes votes are less than 10% of Arden's 356 total eligible voters.”
Deborah Ricard, Co-chair of budget committee, chair of board of assessors, secretary of Audit, Village of Arden — Ricard testified in opposition to SB220, arguing that the process used to approve the 22 charter changes within the village was not legitimate under Arden's existing direct democracy framework.

+ 4 more quotes

Votes

Motion at Arden town meeting to establish the voting process for charter changes (prior village vote, not taken at this committee hearing)Passed

Motion to adjourn the committee meetingPassed

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TranscriptPreview

The Senate Elections and Government Affairs Committee meeting is now called to order. As I said before, I'm a fast talker and I'm going to talk a little extra fast with some of this preliminary housekeeping information because I want to make certain we get it on the record. And for folks that may be listening at home as well as chair of the committee. In accordance with our Senate rules, the committee is authorized to meet in a hybrid format. Committee members and members of the public can participate either in person, around the table or virtually through zoom. If any member that's participating virtually has any technical difficulties, please call us at 302-744-4035. Attending to pre register virtually or sign the attendance sheet to speak on bills will be invited to do so first. Sign up sheet if you're in person is down at the end. Nicole will be facilitating us. For folks that are in person, we've got other folks will be helping us virtually. If you didn't register to speak on a bill but you'd like to do so, you'll be given the opportunity. After those that have signed up already, you'll be given one minute…

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