HERBST: “This process requires direct citizen input at the ballot box in November”
First Selectman Timothy M. Herbst weighed in on the ongoing Charter Revision process Wednesday morning, indicating that he believes certain proposals should be in the form of a separate question to be placed on the ballot for the people of Trumbull to decide in November. “Our Charter Revision Commission has worked very hard in reviewing the Town Charter and making recommendations to the Trumbull Town Council as to items that should be addressed. While our citizen representatives have worked hard throughout this process, ultimately, the people of Trumbull should have the final say on the changes proposed. This process requires direct citizen input at the ballot box in November. Those that have voiced disagreement with some of the proposed changes should at least agree that we should empower the voters of Trumbull with the opportunity to make the ultimate decision at the ballot box.”
The First Selectman indicated that while there has been consensus on many of the proposed revisions between Republicans and Democrats, on some of the bigger issues, separate questions should be placed on the ballot. The First Selectman pointed to four areas where he thinks the questions should be separated from the general revisions and decided ultimately by the voters:
1. Increasing the size of the Board of Education from 7 to 9 members;
2. Modification of Town Council composition, creating an at-large bifurcated model;
3. Budget referendum threshold requirements as they relate to the annual budget;
4. Creation of a 4 year term for the First Selectman, Town Clerk and Town Treasurer;
“These proposals are significant and represent a decision that should be made by more than just the Town Council and Charter Revision Commission. I am going to recommend to the Trumbull Town Council that these proposals be made separate questions on the ballot. Ultimately, with these proposals, we need to empower people and allow the people of Trumbull the opportunity to make an informed decision.”