Ask Mr. (Electric) Answer Person: "What is the exact wording of May 1st's municipal electric utility referendum?"

Mr. (Electric) Answer Person is working as fast as he can to answer all your questions!

(Jeff e-mails: Hey, Mr. Answer Guy--what is the exact wording of May 1st's electric utility referendum?"):

Mr. (Electric) Answer Person says: "Here's the language that will be on the ballot: 'Shall the City of Decorah, in the County of Winneshiek, State of Iowa, be authorized to establish a Municipally-owned electric utility?'

While some members of the Decorah City Council have talked about the May 1st vote as being a public opinion poll, Mr. Answer Person would point out that the language of the referendum is that the city would "be authorized to establish" a utility.  That means the May 1st referendum--if passed--could be the public's last chance to weigh in on this issue, unless a bond issue is needed to raise the money for the utility (as opposed to using revenue bonds, which might not require a vote)."