Another Charter meeting happens Thursday

I happened to attend the meeting last night.  The charter sounds great, but then again, it seems to be well sponsored by the commissioners.  Only two people presented concerns with the written language of the charter and how to interpret that language, but overall, seems that the charter is a "GO." 

 You said, "The charter sounds great, but then again, it seems to be well sponsored by the commissioners."

I think it interesting that it does appear to be an offically - and  apparently unanimously - supported move by the Board of County Commissioners to change the form of government in which they work. 

The County web site has a presentation on the charter that seems, in effect, to be a commercial selling the charter to voters. Is it really that good a program, or is the voice of opposition remaining silent for some reason?

Does that bother you? Does it seem odd to you that folks on the County Commission - who may likely give up much of their power under a new charter - support it? Do you question their motives?

Which commissioners were at the meeting? 

Did any point out possible negative consequences of shifting to a charter form of government?

All county commissioners were at the meeting. It seems all five of them approve or agree with the charter, but then again, Thursday's meeting was just to get public input on the charter.

There were only two citizens who opposed the charter: one because he thinks the language used on the charter is not clear, and the other because charters have failed in other counties.

The fact that all commissioners seemed so positive while talking about the charter did bother me, after all, when was the last time you saw five politicians agree? But on the other hand they might genuinely want what is best for the county at this point in time. The charter does make it easier for those in office due to the fact that the public will have an impact and the power to over rule the charter in that kind of government, therefore making county commissioners less accountable.

Two things are clear: More power is handed to the people with the charter, but that gain becomes a loss if we want accountability. That is the only negative aspect I feel could arise from the charter.