Saturday, July 28, 2018

What You Need to Know About the New York City Charter Revision Commissions


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.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: City and State (New York)

No comments:

Post a Comment