“There Ought To Be A Law” – Decoding ‘Charter Revision And Civic Engagement’

The City Council’s Ordinance Committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday evening to take up a “Proposed Resolution concerning the Initiation of a Charter Revision Process for the City of Bridgeport” and “Proposed Amendment to the Municipal Code of Ordinances, amend to Add New Chapter 2.127 – Civic Engagement Commission.”

A full review of the charter that defines the structure and powers of local government has not taken place in decades.

The last charter commission assembled 10 years ago to address the narrow scope of an appointed, rather than elected, Board of Education was defeated by voters. It’s unclear what the council and appointed charter commission will take up.

Tuesday’s meeting will take place 6 p.m. in City Hall, 45 Lyon Terrace, in the Wheeler Room, Side A, first floor.

See agenda here

Civic engager John Marshall Lee shares thoughts about the above in a commentary below:

“There Ought To Be A Law”

Did you ever make such a statement, or at least reflect on it? It’s a common feeling and does make some sense. We pay Federal income taxes and follow traffic regulations according to rules made previous to when we began earning money or securing a driver’s license. We did not make those rules. But we notice that they do change over time and cause us to remain aware, noticing changes, and supporting those that are fair and serve the common good.

In a City like Bridgeport, we adopted our basic rules of governance within CT Statutes and can add to Ordinances through action of the City Council or review and revise our Charter by action of the Council and voters ultimately. It has been more than 20 years since a thorough review of the Charter was completed. Who can remember? City Council Committees have identified more than one area where change may be directed. More importantly, the Council itself has used almost six months since raising the idea, along with a notion of increasing “civic engagement,” but the Ordinance Committee appears to be avoiding such efforts to respond, in the meantime.

More than once in the past year I have spoken to encourage CC members to consider several “community conversations” as a project for each Council member to encourage, with or without their District Council member. In a City with only one party represented, that should not be difficult. And in the largest City with such a diverse population the opinions of the public are not well represented when a mere minority, averaging about 15% of eligible registered residents, cast a ballot. Can those in office encourage democratic practice, activity, and civic education in person by hosting such conversations?

By setting a convenient time and date at an in-District location and putting out publicity by word of mouth and social media, such conversations require little money. They are an opportunity for residents to listen to each other respectfully for several moments, and then to listen some more, before speaking again. Responses are encouraged that do not occur at City Council public speaking sessions. Presenting innovative ideas to deal with District issues or concerns can lead to better understanding of forces within the City and the way to change current understandings or ‘rules of law,’ if necessary.

The City Council schedules only one meeting of the whole in the months of July and August, but the Ordinance Committee of the Council is scheduled to meet on July 23, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Wheeler Room, Side A. A proposed resolution, 40-23 dealing with Charter Revision Process and a proposed Ordinance Amendment to add a new Civic Engagement Commission are the first items on the Agenda. Will the Ordinance Committee Co-Chairs allow public members who visit the meeting to speak or ask questions? Time will tell.