Important Charter Revision Question on Tuesday

charter
November 1, 2022
I want to let you know about an important question that will be on the ballot for Hamden voters this upcoming election.  You will have the opportunity to vote on charter revisions that only happen every 10 years.  The charter is essentially our town “constitution” and its provisions impact various aspects of town government.
 
A summary of the proposed changes is below.  Among the more significant is a proposed increase in the term of office for Mayor and Town Clerk – from a two-year term to a four-year term.  This would allow these elected officials to focus on more long-term planning without running for re-election every two years.
There are other changes that modernize town government, including allowing for electronic notices and virtual meetings, a new commission on diversity in town positions, expanded civilian oversight of the police commission and more transparency from town government.  These revisions include:
  • Updates to notice and open meeting provisions taking into account changes in state law pertaining to remote and hybrid meetings;
  • Four-year terms for Mayor and Town Clerk (beginning in November 2025);
  • Provisions designed to increase public participation of the Town’s diverse population on Boards and Commissions, including time limits on service;
  • Greater accountability standards for Boards and Commissions;
  • Creation of a Finance Commission and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission;
  • Clarifying functions and purpose of and increased public interaction with the Police Commission;
  • Expansion of the Police Commission and Library Board to nine-members representing each of the Legislative Council districts; and
  • Significant budget reforms, including the addition of a Budget Liaison to enhance the budgetary authority of the Legislative Council.
Hamden Charter Ballot Question Details
Final Report of the Charter Revision Commission Approved by the Legislative Council: 24 August 2022