The Suffield Board of Selectmen plans to enact a Charter Review Commission in 2020. The Commission will undertake a year and a half long process to examine the Town Charter and recommend changes as appropriate. The Town’s overall governance structure will be among the items open for discussion. A vote by residents on November 2, 2021 will ultimately determine any revisions to the Town Charter. “We are currently looking for residents to serve on the Commission,” stated Suffield First Selectman Melissa M. Mack, “with the intent of casting as wide a net as possible to get a broad cross-section of our town.”
The Connecticut General Statute dictates that each municipality review its charter every five years. Since 2015 – when Suffield last convened the Commission – the Town overhauled its Ordinance Book. “The substantial work completed by the Ordinance Review Committee will be instrumental in guiding the efforts of the 2020 Charter Review Commission,” commented Town Attorney Derek Donnelly who spearheaded the ordinance undertaking.
All residents registered to vote in the Town of Suffield are eligible to serve on the Commission. While legal backgrounds prove helpful, the Town seeks a diverse representation of the community. Interested candidates should forward resumes to Kim Worthington. The Board of Selectmen will begin making appointments in late May 2020.
The Town of Suffield is a quintessential New England town boasting a population of 16,600. The many people who serve Suffield through town government – as employees and volunteers alike – remain committed to developing and fostering a strong sense of community among its residents. More information about the Town of Suffield is available at www.suffieldct.gov.