Madison Candidates Take Differing Stances On Possible Charter Amendments

Madison residents have more to vote for than just a first selectman when they arrive at voting centers Nov. 3. An additional question on the ballot will decide whether or not a new town charter will be approved. The new charter would include details such as a lower voter participation requirement during town meetings.

According to a report by Madison Source, the current resident quorum for town meetings is 75, and if that number is not reached, the final decision goes back to the Board of Selectmen. Currently, that quorum is rarely reached.

The proposed change would allow residents up to four days to vote on an issue. The proposed charter changes could also lead to the hiring of a town manager as well, Madison Source reports.

Candidates running for office are divided over a proposal to amend the town charter.

Tom Banisch, Republican first selectman candidate, and Joan Walker, the Democratic first selectman candidate do not share the same view over this issue.

Banisch said via the Madison Source, that he believes the charter is not an improvement over the old one, despite some good ideas being a part of it.

Walker, also a member of the Madison charter committee, said via the paper that she thinks the changes would be positive because residents would have more of a voice in their town.

The full Madison Source story can be read here.