Pawtucket to form charter review commission

PAWTUCKET MAYOR Donald R. Grebien is calling for applications for a charter review commission to review the governing document of the city of Pawtucket and make recommendations for potential changes. / COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
PAWTUCKET MAYOR Donald R. Grebien is calling for applications for a charter review commission to review the governing document of the city of Pawtucket and make recommendations for potential changes. / COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PAWTUCKET – The city of Pawtucket is planning to form a Charter Review Commission, which will review the governing document of the city and make recommendations for potential changes, Mayor Donald R. Grebien announced.

“We are seeking people who are broadly representative of the city to serve for this important purpose,” Grebien said in prepared remarks.

According to Grebien, the last time a panel like this was formed in 2009, “less than half” of the recommendations put forth by the group were placed on the ballot for voters. The 2009 panel’s final report said that it needed “far more time” to complete its work than the four and a half months it was given.

The new commission will make recommendations for potential changes that will go before voters on the November 2014 ballot. Meetings of the panel will be open and will include opportunities for input by the general public.

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“Since that time there may also be other charter sections that may now warrant thorough review and potential changes,” Grebien said. “For the benefit of transparent and responsive city government, I firmly believe it’s well worth undertaking this effort.”

Letters on interest and resumes to serve on the commission will be accepted through Jan. 25, 2013. The group will hold its initial organizational meeting in the beginning of February.

According to a release, residents who served on the 2009 panel, which was the first one formed since 1997, will be considered and are invited to update their resumes.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of Pawtucket. By city charter, members of the commission serve without financial compensation and the panel must conclude its work within one year of when it is formed. Any amendments to the charter must be submitted to the mayor and to the city council for consideration to appear on the ballot.

To apply to serve on the commission, send a letter of interest and resume to: Lammis Vargas, Mayor’s Office, Pawtucket City Hall, 137 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI 02860 or by email to lvargas@pawtucketri.com.

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