The Charter Review Sub-Committee, chaired by Councillor Brian Hatleberg, is progressing through a mandated review that takes place every 10 years. During a recent conversation with the Chelsea Record, Hatleberg explained that the undertaking aims not to overhaul the charter unnecessarily but to examine it thoughtfully. “The review is all about what we can make better with significant changes in the charter,” he said. The committee itself represents a diverse cross-section of the city, Hatleberg noted, comprising 5 councillors, 3 school committee members, and 9 members drawn from the general public. “This is not inside baseball,” Hatleberg added. “This committee is open and transparent, thoughtful and hard working.” To handle the 9-section charter systematically, the committee has divided it into substantial components for review. Section one has already been examined without generating any proposed modifications. Section 2, however, appears poised for potential alterations. Two competing proposals regarding the composition of city council are currently under consideration. One suggestion involves reducing at-large positions to 1 while keeping the same number of council districts. A different approach would maintain 3 at-large positions while lowering district councilors to 4. According to Hatleberg, “Charter Review will not cause a revolution,’ said Hatleberg. Indeed. Charter Review is not expected to rock the boat. The present Charter, as it is conceived and written, is a very comprehensive document leaving very little about running the city government to the imagination. “It is an open, public process,” said Hatleberg. “There are no agendas other than the desire to do the right thing,” he said.
Charter Review Progressing; Some Changes Possible
