Public Input Sought for Next Granby Charter Commission Meeting

The Granby Charter Revision Commission is holding a public input session Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Town Hall Meeting Room starting at 9:30 a.m.

So far, the commission has met several times to and has reviewed the language of almost every section of the charter, but has not had any substantive discussions, according to commission member Jim Lofink.

“We’re at the phase of understanding what is in the document today in terms of language rather than discussing legal issues,” Lofink said. “We’re still in the information-gathering phase.

Among the interesting discoveries, for lack of a better term, made so far is that in no place in the charter is the word “referendum” mentioned, Lofink said.

“It implies the intent that the Town Meeting does not adjourn, but reconvenes in the form of a vote,” Lofink said.

So now would be the time for citizens to voice their opinions that they want, for example, to have a bifurcated budget referendum that gives the option to vote on the school and municipal budgets individually.

“Any and all ideas and suggestions are welcome,” Lofink said.

Just as it’s difficult to amend the U.S. Constitution, changing the town’s charter is no easy task. Indeed, by state statute, towns are requires to convene charter revision commissions every 10 years.

Granby formed its commission in late 2011; its members are Chairman Fran Brady, Terri Ann Hahn, Annie Hornish, Lowell Johnson, Sheri Litchfield, Lofink, Melissa Migliaccio, Bruce Murtha and David Russell.

Past revision commissions have changed the job description of the town manager, while others have merely dealt with issues of language in the document.

Lofink said that the commission is trying to get as much input from the public as possible before forming resolutions.

“I’d love to hear from everyone who is interested,” Lofink said.

For more information, visit http://www.granby-ct.gov/Public_Documents/GranbyCT_BComm/crc2011.