The Charter Study Commission began its work Tuesday with some guidance from New Jersey's expert on government, Ernest Reock Jr., Professor Emeritus at Rutgers' Center for Government Services.
Reock led the five-member commission through an overview of their "time-consuming but rewarding job" in studying the city's special charter, investigating alternatives and deciding whether or not to recommend changes. He furnished a suggested timetable and budget as well as copies of the Faulkner Act.
Consulting at no cost to the commission, Reock named three study or working phases, first a look at the city's present form of government, then looking at all the communities using the kind of government the commission might recommend, with interviews of relevant people for each phase. The group would then put together how city government is doing now and how it might do things, leading to a written report.
The group has an initial nine months of work ahead and organized by first selecting officers: Rick Smiley, chairman; John Stewart Jr., vice chairman; Jeanette Criscione, treasurer; secretary, Mary Burgwinkle; and assistant secretary, Marie L. Davis. Bylaws adopted Tuesday will be published on the city web site and all meetings will be open to the public. The group will launch a blog operated by Stewart that will include links to crucial documents needed for its work. It is expected to be online by Dec. 20.
Reock said one of the biggest challenges will be keeping the public engaged, both by providing information on the group's progress and by soliciting input along the way. Burgwinkle said commissioners may visit neighborhood associations to keep up public interest, in addition to holding hearings. Voters approved establishment of the commission through a ballot question in the November general election,but Reock surmised that by now many may have forgotten about it.
The commission will have to educate the public, he said, "But first of all, you have to educate yourselves. I assume this is going to be a very conscientious commission."
Three City Council members - Rebecca Williams, Cory Storch and Council President Adrian Mapp - joined a small number of residents who attended the organizational meeting. Mapp said the administration has proposed placing $20,000 in a temporary budget for expenses of the commission.
The commission will meet next at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 8.
--Bernice
For starters, Plainfield needs more, and varied, voices on the City Council. I'd like to see nine wards and no at-large councilpersons, or eight and one. All would be elected the same year, offset by two years from the mayoral race (if eight and one, then the at-large position would have the same cycle as the mayor's). This would make it easier for potential candidates to reach out to constituents, and bring more diversity to the Council. Additionally, the threshold for recall and referendum should be reduced to 20-25% of registered voters, rather than the 33.33% currently on the books.
ReplyDeleteAlan's comments make a lot of sense, though the powers that be may not like them. Thanks, Alan.
ReplyDeleteHope Ernie Reock continues to consult (closely) with the Commission. He is an invaluable resource and they are lucky to have him.
ReplyDeleteHere's the new Charter Commission web site:
ReplyDeleteplainfieldcsc.blogspot.com