Letter: The Challenges of Charter Revision

There are think tanks, academic institutes and trade associations for virtually every conceivable topic and issue.  From state legislatures (National Conference of State Legislatures, www.ncsl.org ), “the forum for America’s ideas since 1975”; regional small farms (New England Small Farm Institute www.smallfarm.org ) “working to support beginning farmers and sustainable, small scale farming throughout the Northeast”; to skateboarding (National Skateboard Association www.skatensa.com ) “connecting you to your world of skateboarding.” So it should not come as a surprise that municipalities, the cities and towns of America, have similar organizations from which to exchange ideas and keep up to date with new trends impacting this fundamental level of government.   There are two especially well established and respected organizations that merit discussion, the National League of Cities (www.nlc.org) has been in existence since 1924 and the National Municipal League which was established in 1894.  (Subsequently renamed in 1986, the National Civic League (www.ncl.org).)  This organization was formed during the Progressive Era and claims as members such progressive leaders as Theodore Roosevelt, Louis Brandeis, Frederick Law Olmstead and Mary Mumford.

 There is a local connection to the National Civic League that is worth mentioning: in 1949 they started a program recognizing positive changes in cities and towns with the “All America City” program.   This was and continues to be a sought after designation for a municipality and is often touted for economic development purposes.  Annually, only 10 communities are recognized for outstanding civic achievement.   In 1952, the City of Woonsocket was named an “All America City,” becoming only one of three Rhode Island communities to earn the distinction. As an aside, there has not been a Rhode Island municipality listed since 1960.

 Additionally, the National Civic League has been a major force nationally in promoting reforms like the merit system rather than patronage, nonpartisan elections, unicameral city councils, the “strong mayor” form of government, the “Galveston Plan” or commission form of government, and professional management of municipalities.  Woonsocket adopted several of these reforms with the adoption of the Home Rule Charter in the 1950s.  NCL offers several useful resources as Woonsocket’s Charter Review Commission prepares to begin its work, with an eye, ultimately to have voters decide what changes (if any) will be approved later this year.

Among the works that have been developed are the 8th edition of Model City Charter, Defining Good Government in a New Millennium.  There is also a Guide for Charter Commissions.   The National League of Cities has produced a valuable and thought provoking report entitled Changing the Way We Govern: Building Democratic Governance in Your Community.  Today, like never before, we can look beyond one report or book to the constantly changing and challenging Internet for suggestions and hopefully answers.   Social media as well as community media and networks have legitimate roles to play in complimenting the role of the traditional media, particularly in Woonsocket, to promote good government.   Thanks to these technologies, the individual’s voice can be amplified at a time when civil discourse should not be confused with acquiescence.   A transparent and sincere attempt to get the most participation should be encouraged.

In any event, appointments have been made to the Charter Review Commission and the next several months should offer everyone with the opportunity to review, reflect and perhaps revise the basic governing law of Woonsocket.  This will hopefully encourage active citizenship across the city and a reversal of the trend that can be described as cultural/societal indifference.

René M. Lafayette, M.Ed., a lifelong Woonsocket resident, is a public school administrator and student of and participant in government.  He created two high school level social studies electives while a classroom teacher including Citizenship In Action which he taught to students at Northbridge High School in Whitinsville, MA.  Citizenship In Action has been recognized by the Massachusetts Town Clerks Association in 2010 as “...encouraging authentic civic education.” He has been appointed to the Woonsocket Charter Review Commission.