TAXPAYER ALERT! Public Hearing for Public Input on Proposed Changes to the Town Charter - FRIDAY, MARCH 7th at 7PM, BETHEL MUNICIPAL CENTER, MEETING ROOM A:
In September, 2013, the Bethel Board of Selectmen appointed a Charter Revision Commission and charged them with making certain revisions to the Town Charter. The Commission met, constructed a draft of proposed changes, and ultimately held a Public Hearing on January 13, 2014. That hearing was a contentious one, reflecting much opposition to the proposed changes.
The Commission’s final draft was then, in accordance with the CGS 7-191, passed along to the Board of Selectmen for their review. The BoS made no further changes, and now it goes to a Public Hearing. This is where we are in the process.
Find out what's happening in Bethelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The Public Hearing on Friday, March 7th is the final statutory opportunity for public input on this matter. ANYONE WHO VALUES BETHEL’S EXISTING TOWN MEETING FORM OF GOVERNMENT SHOULD ATTEND THIS HEARING.
Many of the proposed changes directly threaten Bethel’s Town Meeting form of government – removing control the Board of Finance - placing it in the hands of the Board of Selectman. Thus, it is a departure from our current model, which is based on separation of power, checks and balances, and consent of the governed.
Find out what's happening in Bethelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The BAC does not profess to be expert in all things related to the Bethel Town Charter. However, we strongly believe that many of these proposed changes are agenda-driven, and will result in significant adverse consequences to Bethel residents in years to come.
Over the years BAC has stimulated debate on many important issues – including ALL or NONE, the Old Town Hall demolition, the creation and editing protocol for meeting minutes, as well as the proposed sale of our water supply to Aquarion. We are able to do this BECAUSE we have a Town Meeting system of government in Bethel. The proposed Charter changes could ultimately transition Bethel to a Mayor/Council form of government. We believe that our Town Meeting format is worth fighting for.
The Town Charter is the local equivalent of The Constitution of the United States. The proposed changes to this fundamental document demand more than the Charter Revision Commission has devoted to it, and much more visibility and publicity by Bethel’s Board of Selectmen.
Case in point: Here is a link to a directory containing relevant documents: http://www.bethel-ct.gov/controls/NewsFeed.aspx?FeedID=64
As of this writing (2:15pm March 6th) the final draft report has not been uploaded by the Board of Selectmen’s office, with a Public Hearing on the issue taking place in 24 hours. We are told that it should be posted by the end of the day.
Please attend this very important Public Hearing and make your opinions known.
