NEW: Providence Charter Review Commission Elects Chairperson
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
At its first meeting on February 1st, the members of the Charter Review Commission elected Cilff Wood as chairman, and Roberto Gonzalez as vice-chairman. Wood represented ward two as council person from 2007 to 2011. Gonzalez is a former Housing Court judge.
The other members of the commission include Jose F. Batista, Meghan Grady, David Green, Michael Van Leesten, Leonard Lopes, Lucie Searle, and John Simmons.
Every 10 years, a commission is appointed by the City Council and the Mayor to review and make recommendations regarding the Providence Home Rule Charter. The charter, first adopted in 1980, is the City’s guiding document and provides the framework for the form of government, defines the duties and powers of the branches of government, and gives the public a voice in how the City will provide services.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“We have a great group—community members, professionals, and individuals with extensive knowledge about the City’s operations—that will be reviewing the charter closely,” stated Chairman Wood. “The Commission will be soliciting input from City departments, appointed and elected City officials, members of board and commissions, and most importantly, the public. We invite Providence residents and business owners to share their ideas on how to make city government work better for everyone.”
Individuals who have recommendations for changes to the city charter may submit them through the online comment form, by email at [email protected], or by mailing written comments to: City Clerk, 25 Dorrance Street, Providence, RI 02903. The Commission also will be holding public hearings in Providence neighborhoods over the course of the next two months. Additionally, the Commission will be meeting regularly at City Hall.
Upon completion of its review, the commission will submit a report of its recommendations to the Council. The Council will then vote on which proposed Charter amendments to place on the November 2012 ballot. All changes to the Charter must be approved by Providence voters.
