Charter Revision Approved for Hamden

By: Ann DeMatteo, New Haven Register

HAMDEN — Because of action taken by the Legislative Council, members of Charter Reform Now will not be collecting signatures at the polls Tuesday.

The grassroots group, which wants the town charter amended, had threatened to be out on Election Day to force the Legislative Council to open the charter for examination.

But the council has unanimously voted to appoint a Charter Revision Commission of five to 15 persons. The commission will be appointed in about 30 days.

Councilwoman Carol Noble, D-at large, chairwoman of a charter exploratory committee, said her recommendation is for the charter to be reviewed very carefully and for the commission to seriously think about changes.

Michele Mastropetre of Charter Reform Now urged the council to vote in favor of opening the charter, as it has not been looked at in 25 years.

Councilman Curt Leng, D-6, said he thought having charter revision was a positive step, something he hoped would improve governmental operations and transparency, but he said caution and care had to be taken in making changes.

Council President Al Gorman, D-at large, said that he expects nine members to be appointed. Anyone who wants to serve should call the council office at (203) 287-2577.

Charter Reform Now spokesman Bill Burns said that the council action eliminates the need for petitions on Election Day.

“We thank the Legislative Council for its forward-looking action,” Burns said.