Authored by: SK-B on Monday, May 11 2009 @ 07:17 PM GMT+4

I am certain that my friends on the Charter Commission do not mean to create a bad impression, but the sparse meeting announcements and agendas are giving the impression that they are proceeding like a private group rather than in the spirit of a public body.

Item #5 seems to indicate that the Commission is on the verge of deciding on their recommendations regarding the structure of our municipal government which will likely set a course for the next 20 or more years. Yet there is no attempt to call our attention to this critically important discussion no attempt to give even a hint of what choices will be discussed, and -- other than proforma minimum compliance with notification formalities -- there is absolutely no attempt to interest members of the public to attend and participate in the discussion.

From what a member of the Commission has told me: It seems that the intention is for this small group to set the course in insular meetings, and only AFTER the decisions have been made to then hold highly-publicized meetings which will simply be orchestrated presentations of decisions which will already have been made.

Wish I were wrong about this, but all the indications have been pointing that way.

Authored by: pjmelton on Tuesday, May 12 2009 @ 09:21 AM GMT+4

I can see why there would be a very "scanty" post at first, but a follow-up with more details from someone on the committee would be helpful, given, as you say, that it seems they are thinking of a complete overhaul of the municipal governing structure.

I can definitely see the value in working groups being left to themselves to do their work and research without distraction and interruption from people who may be jumping the gun. But public input should also be part of the work and research as well. When will public opinion be considered? Hopefully before it's too late.

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"Economic laws are not made by nature. They are made by human beings." -- FDR

Authored by: cgrotke on Tuesday, May 12 2009 @ 11:03 AM GMT+4

It's why these meetings are warned and the agendas are posted...so
citizens can go, listen, participate - and write it up for iBrattleboro so
others know what happened!

I can't speak for this group, but often the early meetings shape the
decisions that come later. Final meetings are often for presenting the
best options and trying to get agreement. Attending early and often
will keep someone the most informed.

We've had a few questions about this important process. Some stories
would be useful - meeting write-ups, interviews with committee
members, essays by committee members as to what they are learning
and thinking. What are the options?

It's a long process and much work remains.