Click here to view the Charter Revision Commission Webpage

Recently, a group of people called for a revision to Stratford’s Charter. Many of these revisionists view the issue as non-debatable – the typical “my way or the highway” position that is counter productive to good government. They would move accountability of our town’s executive branch another layer away from the people and give it back to the legislative branch. This kind of a change demonstrates a lack of trust in the people of Stratford. Here’s how: the current Charter gives the people the power to elect a strong chief executive who can affect change. It also gives the people the opportunity to hold that chief executive accountable by electing a replacement during the following election cycle. But, instead of trusting the people of Stratford, these revisionists choose to negatively label those who do not want to revise the Charter so soon after adopting it.

History of the Current Town Charter
Our current Town Charter was initiated in 2003 after a majority of Town voters elected at public referendum to create a strong executive branch. The thinking behind these changes was that Stratford needed a strong, full-time chief executive who was directly accountable to the people. And, the process to make the change was arduous, 18 months long and included more than 24 public meetings, two public hearings, and testimony from experts such as University professors and elected officials from numerous communities.

The process of Charter Revision began in 2001, with the formation of an 11 member Charter Revision Commission that was appointed by the Republican majority Town Council. The Town Council that appointed the Charter Revision Commission included current Council Chairman Michael Henrick and current Councilman Alvin O’Neal. A citizen, Gavin Forrester, who now serves as a Town Councilman, chaired the Commission. The Commission had 11 members, including citizens James Miron (now Mayor) and Joseph Kubic (now a Town Councilman). Town Attorney Kevin Kelly was legal counsel.

Now, some of these people want to change the Charter again to suit their own political agendas instead of trusting the people of Stratford to hold its chief executive accountable to fulfill the duties of this much needed role.

The current charter went into effect on December 12, 2005 and was chosen by The Charter Revision Commission Majority, a majority of the Stratford Town Council, and more than 6,000 Stratford voters.

Key Changes Leading to Current Charter
Despite revisionists’ claims, there are only four primary components that are different under this current charter:

1. The Mayor does not work for the Town Council. The Mayor works for the people – This was a primary reason for the Charter change (the Town Manager worked for the Town Council). The people of Stratford wanted to create a chief elected official clearly accountable to the people. The Charter Revision Commission, Town Council and the majority of Stratford voters said with one voice that they trust the people of Stratford to hold its chief executive accountable to accomplish what they mandate.

2. The Mayor appoints members to the majority of the Town’s Boards and Commissions – The Charter Revision Commission, Town Council and the majority of Stratford voters who selected this Charter and this form of government wanted to give the Mayor the ability to act on the people’s mandates and be directly accountable to the voters.

3. The Mayor appoints the Town Attorney – Given that the Mayor is the Chief Elected Official and the Chief Executive Officer of the Town, the Charter Revision Commission and the majority of Stratford voters who selected this Charter and this form of government agreed that the Chief legal advisor of the Town be appointed by the Mayor as the legal business of the Town was clearly and properly within the executive branch of government.

4. The Mayor may veto ordinances and resolutions – The Charter Revision Commission and the majority of Stratford voters who selected this Charter and this form of government, wanted to give the Mayor the ability to act on the people’s mandates and be directly accountable to the voters.

Problems with Revision
1. Revisionists want a Charter change that is not permitted by law – One of the other reasons why some want Charter Revision is to create a provision that requires the Mayor be elected by 50% or more of the vote. However, state law prohibits this action by the Town, as only the State Legislature can enact such a law. No such provision exists in the State of Connecticut. Any call for Charter Revision on this premise is invalid. In fact, a large percentage of people signed the recent petition under the pretense it would lead to this very change – a change the Town has no authority to enact by law.

2. Revisionists erroneously claim the “line of succession” is unclear – There are very clear provisions in the Charter that deal with day-to-day operations and who is in charge, as well as provisions for temporary absence or disability of the Mayor and even long term absence or disability from office.

3. Revisionists are politically motivated – It is a fact that many of those leading the revisionist charge are stated political opponents of the current Mayor, those who adamantly and publicly opposed the Charter when it was selected by the people, and a small group of former town employees or their relatives with personal agendas to pursue.

Trusting the People of Stratford
Not liking the Mayor, his policies or wishing another candidate won the Mayoral election is a poor reason to rewrite Stratford’s Charter. Elections permit the people to hold chief elected officials accountable for their work. Clearly, the revisionists don’t trust the people of Stratford to do their bidding.

We are only half way through the first Mayor's first term of this new form of government. There are no major or material flaws in the Charter that require urgent attention or revision.

With all of the progress that has been made to date, including the re-development plans for both the Stratford Army Engine Plant and the Shakespeare Theatre, the revisionists’ plans will have a de-stabilizing effect on our government. It will negatively impact those who are looking to move to Stratford, bring their business to Stratford, or even visit our town.

The people of Stratford have been well served to date with this our current form of government, and will continue to be well served. This is everybody’s government - not just those with partisan or political agendas.

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