Mayor William Stortz issued this press release today:
Bristol, CT, June 12, 2007 – In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz announced that one of the key issues of the Charter Revision Commission, will probably be the modification of the sections of the City Charter regarding the Mayor, the City Council.
“There has been significant discussion over the idea of a City Manager, and I’m sure that this will be one of the charges to the Charter Revision Commission,” said Stortz.
Stortz continued, “I support the concept of a City Manager for Bristol. I support it with the caveat that the job description be well thought out, that it be non-political, and that the appropriate oversight and accountability be included. Then, and only then, would it be good for Bristol.”
Stortz added, “I also support the idea of increasing the City Council to nine members, with multi party representation. This would reduce the workload and provide some checks and balances, as well as attract more people to the process. When I put forward the request to form a Commission, I did it with those thoughts in mind.”
“By giving the Commission until 2008 to report, and have the recommendations voted on in November 2008, adequate time is provided for thorough discussion and review, by the Commission and the public.
Also, by having this voted on in November 2008, and if the changes are approved, then the City will have time to plan, to interview, to implement, and possibly have the changeover take place near or at the end of the 2007 electee's term (in November 2009)”, said Stortz.
Stortz went on to say, “By having the vote taken during a non municipal election cycle, the issues can be decided on their merit and not influence, or be influenced by the elections and candidates.
Failure to act on this issue now, with a 2008 vote, pushes the item off at least one, maybe two years, and could also impact implementation. If the idea is right, the sooner it is done, the better – as long as it is done right.
Clearly, this is the purview of the Commission. They choose what issues to consider and pass on to the Council.”
Stortz said, “If the issue were to be put on the ballot as a simple yes or no, and it did pass, the Charter Revision Commission would still have to work out the details which are extensive, as the Mayor’s role permeates the Charter and Ordinance. In reality if that was done, the right of the people would be significantly reduced as the Charter revision and the Council has to submit something to be voted on, and flexibility is lost.”
Stortz concluded, “The schedule I submitted gives the Commission and the public adequate time to evaluate the concept, prepare the details, discuss the details, make changes as appropriate and that the public will vote on. If this issue were to be placed on this years ballot (November 2007), the process would have to be resolved and approved by the Council by no later than September giving the whole process including public hearing, only 8 to 10 weeks. My schedule allows for more than ample time for input and feedback, giving the public a true opportunity to participate, before the question, fully explored, discussed, and detailed, is voted on.”
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