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Ridgefield Schedules Hearings On Proposed Government Changes

The article from Patch.com, titled "Ridgefield Schedules Hearings on Proposed Government Changes," discusses the upcoming public hearings in Ridgefield, Connecticut, regarding proposed changes to the town's government structure. The article, published on March 15, 2023, provides detailed information about the proposed changes, the reasons behind them, and the process for public involvement.

The proposed changes aim to modernize Ridgefield's government, which has been operating under the same structure since its incorporation in 1708. The town currently operates under a Board of Selectmen-Town Meeting form of government, which some residents and officials believe is outdated and inefficient. The proposed changes would transition Ridgefield to a Town Council-Town Manager form of government, which is more common in modern municipalities.

The article outlines the key differences between the current and proposed government structures. Under the current system, the Board of Selectmen, consisting of three members, serves as the executive branch of the town government. The First Selectman, who is elected by the voters, acts as the chief executive officer and presides over the Board of Selectmen. The Town Meeting, which consists of all registered voters in the town, serves as the legislative body and makes decisions on major issues such as the budget and ordinances.

In contrast, the proposed Town Council-Town Manager form of government would establish a Town Council as the legislative body, consisting of seven members elected by the voters. The Town Council would be responsible for setting policies, adopting ordinances, and approving the budget. The Town Manager, who would be appointed by the Town Council, would serve as the chief executive officer and be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the town government.

The article explains that the proposed changes are intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the town government. Proponents argue that the current system, with its reliance on the Town Meeting, can be cumbersome and time-consuming, as it requires a large number of residents to attend meetings and make decisions. The proposed Town Council-Town Manager form of government would streamline decision-making processes and provide more professional management of the town's affairs.

The article also discusses the process for implementing the proposed changes. According to the article, the Ridgefield Charter Revision Commission, a group of residents appointed by the Board of Selectmen, has been working on the proposed changes for over a year. The Commission has held numerous public meetings and workshops to gather input from residents and refine the proposed changes.

The next step in the process is a series of public hearings, which will be held on April 5, 6, and 7, 2023, at the Ridgefield Town Hall. The hearings will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about the proposed changes and express their opinions. The article encourages residents to attend the hearings and participate in the process, as the proposed changes will have a significant impact on the future of the town government.

The article also provides information on how residents can get involved in the process. Residents are encouraged to review the proposed changes, which are available on the town's website, and submit written comments to the Charter Revision Commission. The Commission will consider all public input before finalizing its recommendations and submitting them to the Board of Selectmen.

If the Board of Selectmen approves the proposed changes, they will be put to a vote of the town's residents in a referendum. The article explains that a simple majority of voters is required to approve the changes and amend the town's charter. If approved, the new government structure would take effect on January 1, 2024.

The article also discusses some of the potential benefits and challenges of the proposed changes. Proponents argue that the Town Council-Town Manager form of government would provide more stable and professional leadership, as the Town Manager would be a full-time, experienced administrator. They also believe that the Town Council would be more representative of the town's diverse population, as it would consist of seven members elected from different districts.

However, some residents have expressed concerns about the proposed changes. Some worry that the Town Manager would have too much power and that the Town Council would be less accountable to the voters. Others are concerned about the cost of implementing the new government structure, as it would require hiring a Town Manager and potentially other staff members.

The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of public participation in the process. It encourages residents to attend the upcoming public hearings, review the proposed changes, and make their voices heard. The article also provides contact information for the Charter Revision Commission and the Board of Selectmen, encouraging residents to reach out with questions or comments.

Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the proposed changes to Ridgefield's government structure, the reasons behind them, and the process for public involvement. It highlights the potential benefits and challenges of the proposed changes and emphasizes the importance of resident participation in shaping the future of the town government.

Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/connecticut/ridgefield/ridgefield-schedules-hearings-proposed-government-changes ]