Legislators have formed a committee to evaluate what recommendations from the Charter Review Commission’s report should be implemented.
County Legislator Chairman Shawn Morse introduced the resolution to form the committee, which legislators approved Monday, April 14. The resolution stated “the hard work that resulted in the report warrants that a special committee” should be formed to consider the proposed revisions, which number in the hundreds and include reducing the size of the legislature by 14 members to total 25.
The seven Democrats and two Republican legislators appointed to the Charter Review Committee are Democrats Sean Ward, Thomas Cotrofeld, Justin Corcoran, Michael Mackey, Timothy Nichols, William Clay and Robert Beston, along with Republicans Lee Carman and Christine Benedict.
Cotrofeld said forming the review committee is a good way for the legislature to review proposed revisions.
“I think the committee is probably going to go through each suggestion with hopefully a fine-tooth comb,” Cotrofeld said, “and make sure it has the best interest of the county and taxpayers at hand.”
Mackey, who Morse selected to be committee chairman, said there are already a few recommendations he believes need to be tweaked.
“Most of what they did was very good, but a few issues here and there are some clear defects,” Mackey said.
Mackey pointed to the section addressing how vacancies for the elected positions of comptroller, county clerk, district attorney and sheriff would be filled. The revised charter has the county executive making those appointments, which county legislators would then have to approve.
“I don’t know why they did that, but it clearly is illegal,” he said.
Another revision he balked at was the proposal to codify every local law and resolution the legislature has ever passed. He said this level of codification could cost around $1 million. For local laws, he said, the recommendation makes sense.
Benedict, while appointed to the committee, voted against its formation. She said it was an unnecessary measure.
“I don’t think it is needed,” Benedict said. “We had a Charter Review Commission that we put together, and they brought down excellent recommendations. I think we definitely should take their recommendations and go with it.”
Benedict said she wasn’t surprised to see the committee formed and didn’t believe Democrats would approve all proposed revisions.
“This is the majority’s way of picking and choosing what they want,” she said.
Mackey contended the committee process would allow all voices to be heard, with legislators given time to comment on the committee’s proposals before adoption.
“I think the document really reflects maybe the leadership’s view on various issues,” he said, “but this will give an opportunity for rank-and-file members to have their input taken into account and vote on any issues of interest to them.”
Any changes approved by the legislature would require public voter approval. The legislature must submit approved revision to the state Board of Elections by Sept. 30 to be placed on the Nov. 4 ballot.
The public could get to vote on reducing the size of the legislature if lawmakers approve a reduction to its members.
Mackey and Benedict agreed there are positives and negatives to reducing the 39-member legislature.
“I personally think it should be reduced in size,” Mackey said. “I think 39 is too big for a county this size.”
Benedict said she understands the concern that legislators could end up representing too many people after downsizing so the connection smaller districts allow for could be lost. Mackey also said smaller districts require less financial support to run for election.
Benedict said downsizing, if done correctly, could save taxpayers money. She said criteria needs to be established so the remaining legislators do not absorb the savings, such as through increasing office staff.
The first meeting of the Special Charter Review Committee will be held on Tuesday, April 22, at 5:30 p.m. in the 12th Floor Caucus Room.