Leaders of the Charter Revision Commission Faith Sweeney and John Hosier touch on some of the findings that will be presented to the City Council for ballot consideration by city voters in November including putting teeth into the Ethics Commission as well as creating minority party representation on the legislative body.
The 13-member panel must submit its draft report to the council no later than June 16 to assure that the final report, proposed charter and questions will be submitted for timely consideration at referendum in the general election.
During the past three decades the city’s political demographics have shifted dramatically to the Democratic Party with a roughly 10-1 ratio over Republicans. If placed on the ballot and approved by voters incentivizing electoral interest would also bring into play minor parties such as Working Families and Bridgeport Independent, as well as petitioning candidates.
The areas where minor parties may participate electorally in Bridgeport were established by state statute including the board of education, registrar of voters and city sheriff positions.
The charter panel review was initiated by the all-Democratic City Council The charter panel had essentially three months to assemble, conduct public hearings and consider topics to overhaul the rules and regulations of the charter document.
Ultimately the City Council will approve the framing of questions for voter consideration and the implementation timeline in this off-cycle municipal year which will be led by the school board and council seats.
The questions that go before voters will also provide a platform for candidates to discuss in September primaries and general election.
