As the 7 members of the newly appointed committee entered the meeting room, one by one, the first to take a seat - Local Land Use Attorney, Ty Harris, promptly sitting in the center seat as if predestined to be elected by committee members as chairman. He was. Susan Raffanello, was elected Vice Chairman.
The seven-member committee: Harris, Raffanello, Richard Black, Joe Roth, Lorie LaLonde, Roger Young and Craig McBay.
The meeting was short. Just one member of the public was in attendance.
The next meeting will be Monday February 9, at 5:30, Islamorada Community Center. The topics - Section 5 (Village Council) and 8 (Elections) of the charter, what the committee seemed to believe are the most important sections.
The charter review committee is extremely important as they are tasked with finding possible improvements to the Village Charter, our “Constitution” and the way our government works!
Perhaps instead of tackling what the committee perceives to be the most critical portions, members should first take a look at what other Florida communities have in their charters.
The Village Charter is just 14 pages long - Click here. Then check the charter for Key West. Or other South Florida communities who have created a document that provides clear direction for the future of the town.
In the short first meeting, the members enumerated the changes they thought should be discussed. Things like the current height restriction, council compensation, at large elections, council terms. Many of the same issues the voters are likely to reject?
The value and consequence of this committee’s effort should not be underestimated. Whatever is placed in the charter can only be placed there or removed by consent of registered voters on a secret ballot.
Changes should not be swayed based on the good, bad or indifference of the current council. The charter creates a long term roadmap. Changes to our charter can change the way our government works!
If you have issues that concern you about Village processes, this is the opportunity to discuss improvements. Show up and speak up.
