What they're looking at, why there are two, and what key officials are saying.
By Rebecca C. Lewis
Most New Yorkers don’t know much about the city charter. Even fewer
know that commissions can be set up to review and revise New York City’s
charter. And only the most die-hard political junkies know that the
city’s charter is being revisited not once, but twice.
To
get our readers up to speed, here are the basic details about the
process – and what key officials are saying about how it’s playing out.
The
first commission was convened by Mayor Bill de Blasio, who also
appointed each commissioner. The second was created by the City Council,
with members appointed
by the council speaker, borough presidents, city public advocate, city
comptroller and de Blasio. Although the mayor’s commission began its
work first, the council has been working to create one since last year.
However, the legislation to do so only passed in April.
A
charter revision commission reviews the city charter, holds public
hearings and can put initiatives on the ballot. If voters approve any of
the proposed changes, the charter is amended.
De Blasio directed
his commission to explore campaign finance reform and ways to improve
democracy in the city. It intends to have initiatives on the ballot this
fall. The council’s commission has no stated directive and will review
the charter more broadly. It plans to have its ballot initiatives ready in 2019.
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