GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION

1. Page 1, at the end of the enrolled bill

insert

2. That the provisions of this act shall not take effect until and unless the proposed increase in the length of terms of city council are approved by the people of such city in a referendum held pursuant to the provisions of § 24.2-684 of the Code.

GOVERNOR'S VETO EXPLANATION

I returned this bill to the reconvened session with an amendment that simply required a referendum of the voters prior to the bill going into effect. By the narrowest of margins, the House of Delegates declined to accept that amendment.

As I said in my earlier message, I do not oppose four-year terms for the City Council of Richmond, If the people of Richmond or any other city support longer terms then they should be allowed to enact those longer council terms in a referendum.

Accordingly, I am vetoing this bill.