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Yeruham, towns with appointed mayors want elections By Mijal Grinberg The Knesset Interior and Environment Committee will discuss the postponement of local elections in the towns of Yeruham, Ibalin, Katzir-Harish and Baka-Jatt. The committee will vote whether to approve Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit's decision to extend the terms of their appointed mayors and city councils. Residents of Yeruham petitioned the High Court of Justice against the extension of the term of Mayor Amram Mitzna. The High Court heard the case yesterday, but put off its ruling until after the Knesset committee decision on the matter today. The committee has invited the petitioners to appear today and to make their views heard. Advertisement "We are like a village over the Green Line, managed by a general," said David Abergil of Yeruham, trying to explain residents' objections to the postponement of the elections. Mitzna was appointed three years ago, and the law states an appointed mayor and council serve until the next scheduled elections, and a minimum of two years. Extending the term is possible if the interior minister finds it exceptionally justified. Mitzna told Haaretz yesterday that "the town is still not ready to return to the democratic process," and that is why he agreed to Sheetrit's request. Many Yeruham residents insist they have the democratic right to elect a new mayor and council, and the decision to cancel the elections is political and insulting to the residents of the southern town. However, among those behind the High Court petition are residents who do not hide their own political interests and wish to run in the elections, such as Moshe Peretz, who admits he wants to be mayor. "We demand our right to vote," explained Abergil, who was an aide to former mayor Baruch Almakiyas, who was removed from office and replaced by Mitzna. There are also numerous residents who support the postponement and would be happy to see Mitzna stay on. The director general of the Interior Ministry, Aryeh Bar, surprisingly supported some of the residents' objections: "The budgetary balance achieved by Yeruham was based on our financial support, support that will not be given to an elected [city] council." However, in addition to the fiscal issues, the town needs time to achieve stability, said Bar. As to the question of what he would say to residents who want their right to vote, Bar said: "I know those who petitioned the High Court, so I would prefer not to answer the question." Peretz accused the ministry of appointing councils and mayors and only then providing funds. "The Interior Ministry prefers officials who do what they are told and raise taxes," said Peretz. Bookmark to del.icio.us   New bestsellers Three children's books about the US presidential race to be published soon. False accusation Pentagon admits it wrongly accused Jewish army engineer of spying for Israel.

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