Vacancies on the Board of Education, according to the Bridgeport City Charter, are filled by incumbent board members. Thus a new wrinkle has been added in setting a date for a special election ordered by the Connecticut Supreme Court when it reversed state control of schools.
The Supremes ordered the reconstituted board remain in place until results of a special election, set by the trial court, are certified for four BOE positions. In a court hearing Thursday morning before Superior Court Judge Salvatore Agati there were more questions than answers respective to the special election. Legal parties in the case will likely seek guidance from the Supremes on setting the date for a special election.
From the City Charter:
If a vacancy arises for any reason in the membership of the Board of Education, the remaining members shall elect a new member to serve for the balance of the term vacated. The person so elected shall be a resident and elector and a member of the same political party as the member vacating such office.
Lawyers and jurists must now likely cite a state provision for setting a special election. The City Charter provides that the City Council shall call a special election for mayor between 120-150 days when a vacancy occurs.
If the BOE special election follows a normal course, political parties will endorse candidates, but challengers could secure petition signatures for ballot approval.
There is nothing in the Charter that addresses this issue. I expect, if it gets the chance, the trial court will set an election schedule based upon state law and the Supreme Court’s order.
Yes, but they would look to the charter for guidance in setting a special election. As Phil Smith points out, the charter doesn’t address the issue so they will look at state law.
Salsa into Spring WPKN Benefit!
Tired of winter? Celebrate the change of seasons early as we “Salsa into Spring” with acclaimed, multicultural Latin Jazz and Salsa specialists, MIKATA, who return to Westport CT on March 3rd to play a benefit at The Unitarian Church for WPKN, southern New England’s real alternative radio station and Beardsley School in Bridgeport.
BOX OFFICE TICKETS VIA PHONE @ 203-227-7205, Ext. 14
When: March 3rd, 2012, 8pm
Weather date: March 4th, 2012, 4 pm
Cost: $20 (includes snacks)
www .wpkn.org/wp/?page_id=8214
*** A rushed-through Charter Revision only confuses the public and serves no one but the admininstration in charge; especially on the shirttails of an Obama election! *** VOTE NO! ***