Charter commission should state priorities

Opinion

Discussion

December 11, 2009

Anonymous The Daily News of Newburyport Fri Dec 11, 2009, 03:41 AM EST

To the Editor:

I agree the time for a review of the Newburyport's Charter is in order. After watching and listening to the commissioners' initial and procedural meetings on community cable television, there were repeated expressions for an inclusive, open and transparent process.

As a lifelong Newburyporter, I would like to see the commission issue a statement as to what they view as the governing problems/issues in Newburyport's current Charter, if any are concluded. The statement would serve as an impetus for community reflection and discussion on its merits as well as the possible remedies.

The Charter is a political document that organizes the city's governing structure for effective decision-making along with the most efficient use of resources. A review of the Charter must clearly define the ineffectiveness and inefficiencies in the current so as to make the necessary revisions, if so warranted.

The issue before the Charter Commission will be how the government of Newburyport can best serve the citizens today and in perpetuity. It is a review of Newburyport's governing structure, and as such, this is not an exercise in history, economics or corporate governance.

If there is a problem with the mayor, then look for mayoral solutions. If there is a problem with school funding and/or taxation, then look to reorganizing the School Committee or City Council to address a specific issue(s).

If the regular order of governing is not getting things done, then look to adding "special processes" to deal with them. An open and clear statement by the commission regarding their critical analysis of Newburyport's Charter will give the process credence and will engage the community at-large.

James Madison said the U.S. Constitution was the result of "the work of many heads and many hands," let's make Newburyport's Charter the same.

D.C. Gagnon

Newburyport

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