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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Charter Commission?
A Charter Commission is a group of
9 elected individuals which analyze the current government structure and
its workings. It can then recommend changes to the structure which
are voted on by the registered voters of the Town.
Why does Framingham need a
Charter Commission?
There are two majors reasons for
commissioning a Charter commission.
First, Framingham does not
currently operate under a Charter. By not having a Charter all
Framingham bylaw changes have to be approved by the State Legislature.
Simply put, the representatives of other towns (such as Cambridge,
Natick, Sudbury, ...) have a say in the laws your Town Meeting representatives create.
As a specific case, Framingham
Town Meeting passed a bylaw change (House Bill HR3140) which provided
for greater scrutiny over Framingham's Housing Policy Plans. Town
Meeting felt the Town's proposed Housing Plan might have a negative
impact on the investment Framingham residents have made in their
properties. Even though Town Meeting overwhelming passed the bylaw
change, representatives from other municipalities were not in favor of
what Framingham was attempting to do and did not approve the bylaw
change.
Simply put, we
DO NOT HAVE COMPLETE local control of our government.
The second reason for a Charter
Commission is that it provides a review of how the government is
working. As times change, Framingham's needs and challenges
continue to change. A review allows us make sure the government is
keeping up with the times.
What
are the official rules for petitioning for a Charter?
The Massachusetts law governing
adopting Charter is
M.G.L. - Chapter
43, Section 3.
Doesn't a Charter just mean
another attempt to make Framingham a city?
No. While it is true there
are proponents for a city style of government there, there are also
proponents for a town style, and proponents for some type of hybrid.
The Charter Commission can only put its recommended changes on the
ballot. Framingham voters make the decision whether they want to
accept any changes.
What benefits are there to a
Charter?
The most important benefit a
Charter provides is having FULL LOCAL
control over own affairs. Framingham would no longer need
to get State Legislature approval for its local bylaws.
Why don't we have a Charter
now?
Whenever this question gets asked
of prior Charter Commissioners, the only answer appears to be
"politics". Apparently, Charter Commissions in the past never left
a "fallback position" on the ballot which would just Charter the
existing form of government.
What am I committing to if I
sign the petition?
All you are committing to is
putting the Charter Commission question on the ballot. If the
voters vote in favor of it, a Charter Commission will be formed and
tasked to do its review. Any proposed changes would be placed on
the ballot, where Framingham voters would have the FINAL say.
Can I sign the petition, if
I'm not a registered voter?
No. But our signature
gatherers most likely will be carrying voter registration cards, so you
can "kill two birds with one stone."
What can I do to help?
First, sign the petition!
Second, pass along news of the
petition to your neighbors, they might want to sign it too!
Third, help volunteer to gather
signatures!
E-mail us if you would like to help!
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