Got An Idea About Simsbury's Government? Let These People Know

SIMSBURY, CT — If you don't like how your town's government operates, there is something you can do.

You can help change the charter.

In Simsbury Thursday, the town's charter revision commission is hosting a special public hearing on what possible changes folks may want to see within the town's government and operations.

It will take place Thursday, Jan. 23, at 6 p.m. in the Tariffville Room at the Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury.

A town charter is a legally binding document that establishes the framework of how a town operates.

As an example, the last major charter revision voted on in 2016 and established in 2017 established Simsbury's current town manager form of government, among other changes.

"This is your opportunity to weigh in our local government structure, from the administration to our boards/commissions," wrote Simsbury First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis in her report to the board of selectmen earlier this month.

Essentially, a town's charter revision commission regularly meets over an extended period of time, tweaking and analyzing the charter based on input from residents and staff.

Then, it makes a recommendation to the town's top governing body — in Simsbury it is the board of selectmen.

Selectmen then set up a hearing date and, eventually, a new or revised charter will go before voters if town leaders determine a change is warranted based on public input.

Those unable to make Thursday's charter revision hearing can weigh in via e-mail by sending comments and suggestions to charterrevision@simsbury-ct.gov by noon on Thursday, Jan. 23.

To view Simsbury's current town charter, click on this link.