PORTLAND CHARTER COMMISSION TO HOLD FIRST PUBLIC HEARING
Hearing will be held Thursday, July 16 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall
Public participation is encouraged
Portland, Maine – The first of several public hearings by the Portland Charter Commission will be held on July 16, Portland City Council Chambers, starting at 6 p.m.
“At this first public hearing we want to receive input as to what the public thinks are the problems and issues that should be addressed by the Commission over the next several months,” said Pamela Plumb, Chair of the Commission.
The Portland Charter Commission was established by the voters in 2008, with the members elected in June of 2009. In addition to 9 elected members, with one from each district and 4 at-large members, there are also 3 members appointed by the City Council. State law governs the makeup and procedures for the work of the Commission. By next June, the Commission should have a final report on its recommendations for Charter changes, with the possibility of an extension of that date if needed. Those changes would then go to the voters for approval.
At least two issues spurred the desire to have a Commission review the City Charter; the call for a mayor elected by the voters, and the need to have greater City control over School budgeting. The Commission is not limited to consideration of only those issues, however; the whole Charter is open to review.
“The Commission is very interested hearing from the public. There will be several ways to impact the Commission’s work including participating in public hearings, attending or watching televised business meetings and submitting written comments and suggestions by mail and email. We hope and plan for the widest possible participation”, said Plumb.
Information on the Portland Charter Commission may be found at www.portlandmaine.gov\
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