Modesto opens election committee

Modesto is looking for citizens to serve on a committee that will evaluate whether the city should keep runoff elections, do away with them or delay them. A 2007 report from the city's Charter Review Committee called the runoff system "broken" because of a demanding timeline that compels the city clerk to select runoff candidates within days of a general election. The Runoff Election Ad Hoc Committee will evaluate the current runoff system and make recommendations to the City Council. The committee will include a chairperson and six members at-large from the community. Applications are due by Feb. 15. All applications will be reviewed by the City Council and appointments will be made at a regularly scheduled council meeting. To apply, go to www.modestogov.com, click on "Boards, Commissions and Committees" under the "Government" tab and then click on "Runoff Election Ad Hoc Committee." If you do not have access to the Internet, contact the City Clerk's Office, 1010 10th St., Suite 6600 (Sixth Floor), Modesto 95354 or call 577-5396.