Danbury Charter Revisions: What Voters Need To Know For Election Day

DANBURY, CT — Danbury voters will decide Tuesday whether to make significant changes to the city's charter, including extending terms for municipal elected officials from two years to four years.

The two questions on the Nov. 3 ballot follow a years-long charter revision process involving public hearings, recommendations from the Charter Revision Commission and review by the City Council.

The proposals are separate, meaning voters can approve one, both or neither.

Here's what Danbury residents should know before heading to the polls.

Question 1: Four-Year Terms For Elected Officials

The first question asks whether the terms of several municipal elected offices should increase from two years to four years, beginning with the November 2027 municipal election.

The offices covered include the mayor, town clerk, treasurer, City Council, Zoning Commission, Zoning Commission alternates and constables.

The proposal would also phase out staggered Board of Education elections, eventually moving all 11 members to four-year terms elected on the same cycle by 2031.

Supporters of longer terms say the change would provide greater continuity in city government and give elected officials more time to plan and complete projects.

Mayor Roberto Alves, who supports the proposal, said major initiatives involving roads, schools, public safety and economic development often take longer than a two-year election cycle.

"Running a city requires long-term planning, and important initiatives require time, coupled with the ability to move important initiatives through many stages," Alves said.

However, some residents and council members have questioned whether longer terms would reduce voter accountability by giving residents fewer opportunities to elect new representatives.

Alves acknowledged those concerns, saying accountability also depends on transparency, public meetings and communication with constituents.

"Four-year terms will not change the commitment to earning the public's trust every day," he said.

Question 2: Other Changes To The City Charter

The second question asks voters to approve the remaining charter revisions recommended by the Charter Revision Commission and approved by the City Council.

These changes address various aspects of city government, including financial procedures, administrative operations and coordination between the city and Board of Education.

One proposed change would increase the city's non-referendum bonding threshold from $3 million to $5 million, allowing certain borrowing decisions to proceed without voter approval at a referendum.

Alves said the increase is intended to account for inflation and rising project costs. He noted that the previous charter revision raised the threshold from $500,000 to $3 million.

"All it seeks is to have our Charter meet the needs of the Danbury we are today," Alves said.

The second question encompasses multiple proposed revisions rather than allowing voters to decide on each individual change separately.

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When And Where To Vote

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Both charter revision questions will appear on Danbury voters' ballots alongside the state and federal races.

Residents can review the complete proposed revisions and explanatory materials through the City of Danbury to learn more about the specific changes included in each question.