Charter Charge Considered

By John Voket

Legislative Council representative Jan Andras, who is chairing a special committee to formulate a charge for a new Charter Revision Commission, provided The Bee a draft recommendation that will kick off the anticipated charter revision process. The steps by which her committee will formulate a final recommended charge will be discussed Wednesday, July 21, at 6 pm, in the Municipal Center.

Public comment is also being sought that evening, and in writing up until July 28.

A commitment to consider seating such a review panel was made by council Chairman Jeff Capeci during the contentious 2010-11 budget process. A charter review will likely be initiated to examine aspects of the budget process as outlined in the town’s constitutional document, along with numerous “housekeeping” and language inconsistencies that might muddy interpretations of certain mandates.

July 21 will mark the first meeting of the newly appointed council committee, which includes Ms Andras, along with council colleagues Ben Spragg, Dan Amaral, and Kevin Fitzgerald.

Ms Andras said recommendations for advisory ballot questions and a bifurcation of the municipal and school budgets, are two items that are being considered. 

“Anyone wishing to submit recommendations for other possible revisions to the town charter are encouraged to send them in writing,” Ms Andras said. Her email address is janandras@yahoo.com, and she requests that ideas be provided no later than July 28.  

Council Vice Chair Mary Ann Jacob also contacted The Bee this week indicating the council will be soliciting volunteers from the community who are interested in serving on the Charter Revision Commission. More information on how to apply for consideration is expected to come out in discussion of the initiative by the full council July 21.

The full charter text can be found on the website, www.newtown-ct.gov, under “Town Code.”