Sitka Superior Court Judge David George said Tuesday that he wants to hear more in an ongoing lawsuit against the city by proponents of a ballot initiative on land sales.
A group called “Sitkans for Responsible Government” proposed an initiative in the summer of 2008 that would have required voter approval for any disposal of city real estate worth over $500,000.
Current municipal code already requires a public vote for large land disposals. But sales or leases at Sawmill Cove Industrial Park are exempt. Property sales there require only the approval of an appointed board of directors, and then an assembly resolution. Sitkans for Responsible Government sought to change that.
But the initiative never made it to the ballot. The municipal clerk’s office, under the guidance of municipal attorney Theresa Hillhouse, refused to certify the initiative — twice.
In April, the Alaska Supreme Court asked the Sitka court to take another look at its ruling in favor of the city. In court Tuesday, George gave the city 30 days to file a brief explaining the issues it feels are still on the table.
The initiative’s backers will then have 30 days to respond. They say they’ll drop the suit if the city puts their measure on the ballot.
Robert Woolsey contributed to this report.
