Methuen Group
Assembles to Change Methuen's Charter
Jack
Burke
Our current Federal system of government
did not spring “full born” into
existence. It took 11 years to get from a
Declaration of Independence to a
functional Constitutional Government.
During that time there was much
discussion and review of government
format by diverse citizens.
Similarly, Methuen now has a group
dedicated to the same type of discussion
and review. The newly formed Citizens for
a Better Government has come into
existence to discuss and review the
existing City Charter. The group is
formed by a diverse cross section of
active Methuenites to create a citizen
driven Charter Study Commission under
Massachusetts general law.
The elected Executive Committee is made
up of President Pat Uliano, Vice
President Sid Harris, Treasurer Alex
Vannett, Clerk Kathleen Corey Rahme and
Secretary Sharon Ployer (978-208-8128).
The group has been meeting monthly at the
Methuen VFW ,Arnold Greenwood Post 8349,
26 River Street. They invite everyone to
come, listen and decide for yourself.
Every new member is asked, “Why are
you here? What are your concerns? What
should be changed?” These responses
have become a framework for a series of
non-binding ballot questions which the
group hopes will be on the Presidential
ballot this November (2008). This is a
way to tap the pulse of Methuen’s
46,000 plus citizenry.
Some of the major items being discussed
are the form of government, mayor or
manager or a combination. Can a balance
between the Administrative and
Legislative bodies be struck? What are
your feelings on term limits. Should they
stay the same? Become permanent (serve
for x time and that’s the end).
Should terms be 2 ,3 or 4 years? How many
terms should be allowed? Should we review
other voting processes? E-voting?
One item becomes clear early when meeting
members of this group. They believe that
one needs to “Think Positive.”
This is becoming a mantra. They are
looking for best practices in Government
in a fashion similar to the private
sector search for best practice.
The group is leading a petition drive to
create a ballot question for the 2009
Municipal Election cycle. The group needs
about 5000 signatures to get the question
on the ballot for next year. They have
registered with the City Clerk as a
Ballot Question Committee under Mass.
Law.
They look forward to gathering the
required signatures so that a Charter
Study Committee question can be on the
ballot. If successful, citizens will also
be able to get nomination papers to join
this elected Study Commission during the
same voting cycle.
Their first fund raiser will be an
Italian style meal at the VFW on June
27th. Tickets should be on sale soon.
There will be a DJ and plenty of
excellent conversation.
In summary, all citizens of Methuen are
invited to get involved in these efforts.
Donate your time, your thoughts and your
signature to assisting in improving the
City we all love. Further information or
questions can be forwarded to CBG@mymethuen.org
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(C) copyright, Valley Patriot, Inc., 2008
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