Welcoming Interested Residents to Join the Commission

Pawtucket – Mayor Donald R. Grebien announced that he is seeking applicants to serve on the Charter Review Commission that will review the governing document of the city and make recommendations for potential changes that would go before voters on the November 2020 ballot.

“The Charter Review Commission will play a truly important role in our city moving forward through the evaluation of our Charter. We ask our residents interested in community involvement to take part in serving,” said Mayor Grebien.

The commission will consist of nine or eleven members, chosen so as to be broadly representative of the residents of the city. Meetings of the charter review panel will be duly posted open meetings that will include opportunity for input by the general public.

In 2016, voters approved two of the Charter Review Commission’s recommendations: Replacing charter language related to ethics reviews with a simple requirement that elected officials comply with the Rhode Island Code of Ethics and eliminating references to certain city positions that are no longer filled while adding other positions that have been created.

“Since that time, there may be other charter sections that may now warrant thorough review and potential changes,” said Mayor Grebien. “For the benefit of transparent and responsive city government, I firmly believe it’s well worth undertaking this effort.”

Letters of interest and resumes will be accepted through August 28, 2019 with the commission to hold its initial organizational meeting on or about October 1^st. Residents who served on the last charter panel, will also be considered and are invited to update their resumes. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the city. By charter, members of the commission serve without financial compensation and the panel must conclude its work within one year of when it is formed. Draft amendments to the charter must be submitted to the Mayor and City Council for consideration to appear on the ballot

Any resulting recommendations for charter changes would require approval by voters on the November 2020 ballot in order to take effect.

To apply to serve on the commission, send a letter of interest and resume to: Wil Arboleda, Mayor’s Office, Pawtucket City Hall, 137 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02860 or by email to warboleda@pawtucketri.com.

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For Immediate Release
July 29, 2019
Contact: Wil Arboleda
401-728-0500 Ext. 385