Staff Writer

CARLISLE - Former mayor Ann Stevens not only wants her old job back she apparently also wants Carlisle's old system of government back too.

Union County Election Commission Chairman Keith Vanderford said that Mrs. Stevens turned in a petition Thursday afternoon requesting a referendum changing Carlisle's system of government from council or weak mayor to strong mayor be placed on the Nov. 4 ballot. Vanderford said that while a referendum could be placed on the ballot, it must first be approved by the Carlisle Town Council. He said that he contacted both Mayor Radzil Thompson and administrator Shannon McBride and both said the matter had not been brought before council.

For the referendum to be placed on the ballot, it must receive the signatures of 15 percent or 41 of the town's registered voters.

Once the petition is presented to council, the election commission will then verify the signatures. After the verification process is complete, council will then have 30-90 days to set a date for the referendum. Vanderford said if the process moves forward fast enough, the referendum could be held on Nov. 4.

Mrs. Stevens served as mayor from 1996-2000, a period marked by clashes between herself and council, led by Thompson and Mary Ferguson Glenn. This brought municipal government to a standstill and led to a 1998 referendum changing Carlisle's government from strong mayor to council. This did not stop the disputes, however, which came to an end in 2000 when Mrs. Stevens, Thompson and Mrs. Glenn were defeated for re-election.

Carlisle has remained under the council system since then. In 2002, Mrs. Stevens and Mrs. Glenn were returned to council and Thompson was elected mayor in 2004. All three are running for mayor this year.

Mrs. McBride said that as of this morning Mrs. Stevens has not asked to have the referendum placed on the agenda for council's September meeting.

Mrs. Stevens could not be reached for comment.