Petitions available for charter commission candidates

AUBURN — People wishing to run for a seat on the Androscoggin County Charter Commission can begin the election process by picking up instruction packets and blank petitions at the County Clerk's office in the county building in Auburn or at the Maine Secretary of State's Office.

To get on the November ballot, people must gather the required 50 to 80 signatures and file them with their local registrar by May 25, along with a notarized candidate consent form.

County voters will elect six Charter Commission members, two from each district. Following the election, the County Commission will appoint three more members.

The nine-member Charter Commission will be charged with writing new rules for the makeup and operation of county government. Those rules, in the form of a proposed charter, will go to a county-wide referendum.

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Comments

tron's picture

Well congratulations, Mr. LaBonte

you and the SJ have successfully  managed to find a loophole to get what you want, and do it without public scrutiny.  The only talk about a charter commission was last year when it seem to be dismissed because of lack of interest.  Yet you managed to sneak it in without public knowledge. Just what I'd expect from right wing wackos.

JLaBonte's picture

Thank you

Now, would you please come to our next meeting on April 21st at 6 PM so you could share your thoughts in public and we might have a discussion on this issue outside of the world of blogs?

It most certainly is not a loophole.  And just because there weren't stories in the SJ, doesn't mean it wasn't being discussed and reviewed in public workshops.

JLaBonte's picture

There are two ways for a

There are two ways for a Charter Commission to be formed; by petition and referendum or by vote of the Commissioners.  Once formed, there is an election for members.

After the work of the Charter Commission is complete, it goes to popular vote for adoption or rejection.

You can read the statute here:

http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/30-A/title30-Asec1321.html

 

rbegin's picture
verified

Jeremy; I this the same james

Jeremy; I this the same james handy from Lewiston and former legislatature?

rbegin's picture
verified

Jeremy; I this the same james

Jeremy; I this the same james handy from Lewiston and former legislatature?

tron's picture

Don't we get to vote

on whether we want a charter commission?  Seems someone has the cart in front of the horse.  Something this important should have voter approval.  Unless the SJ and its commissioner found a loophole to circumvent the people.

Jeremy's picture
verified

Yes, we can vote

James Handy of the Maine Secretary of State Office has stated the voting on the ballots for potential charter commissioners will be a two parter, something like: Do you think there should be a charter; if so, who do you want?

Furthermore, when they draft a charter - it will be offered to andro-residents for a vote as well.

Jeremy's picture
verified

Oh gosh! That's incredibly

Oh gosh! That's incredibly embarrassing. My source was a VERY old newspaper article. Apparently they attempted a charter commission back in the 80's! :-P

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