Think hard.
That’s what members of the Republican Town Committee told the newly appointed Charter Revision Commission Wednesday night.
The commission has been charged by First Selectman Mary Ann Drayton Rogers to examine 12 areas of the charter last revised in 2006.
The seven-member commission opened the floor to suggestions during a public hearing at Town Hall Wednesday night — and because a Republican Town Committee meeting had just ended in town hall, the crowd consisted of mainly Republicans.
Republican Input
Approximately 35 Republicans representing town boards and the Republican Town Committee came to the hearing Wednesday to give their input.
Some disagreed with ideas that have already been floated for the charter changes.
For example, the charter commission is considering adding members to the Board of Selectmen and increasing the term limits to four years, from the current two-year-terms.
Anthony Montanaro, a member of the Republican Town Committee, said he thought the Board of Selectmen should be held to two terms.
Montanaro additionally asked the commission to “think hard” about increasing the members of the Board of Finance.
“Financial analysis is very important to capital projects in town,” he said. “The future of Oxford government should support that team.”
Republican William Neary, vice-chairman of the Board of Education said he would like the town charter to allow each board and commission make its own appointments for openings rather than the Board of Selectmen.
“The decision should be a subject of the board itself,” he said. “The board’s chairman would have a better handle on what would be appropriate.”
Drayton-Rogers, who attended the public hearing, objected to Neary’s request.
“It should be made on a case by case basis and not across the board,” she said.
Commission member Janice Hardy said the town is limited by state laws.
“Even though we have home rule, there are still limitations,” she said. “We are only allowed to put things in allowed by state statute. “
The commission hopes to complete its charge by June 2011 in order to send it to voters in November general election in 2011.
