Barry, Conroy Question Charter Revision Need as Public Hearing Set

Brian Callahan, chairman of the Charter Revision Commission, came before the Southington Town Council on Monday to deliver the final draft of the proposed changes, but some officials remain concerned there is no reason or evidence to support the change.

Councilman John Barry said Monday evening that he could not see any reason or evidence justifying the change and questioned why the commission would use only two examples before coming to a decision, one of which is a neighboring city in Meriden that has had a lot of turmoil in recent years.

“When look at turmoil Meriden police are under right now, I wouldn’t want them coming before my board with any information that would be used to restructure our government,” Barry said. “With the recent conviction of a officer and federal investigations, I feel the commission did not do their due diligence in terms of having like-towns.”

Callahan told the council that the decision, made by the commission after a 3-1 vote last week with Dennis Conroy opposed and Bruce “Zeke” Zalaski absent, was made to better prepare the town for the future.

The proposed change would eliminate the boards of police and fire commissioners, instead reestablishing them as advisory boards and having the police and fire chief answering to the town manager. Callahan said the decision was made using a business model to try and improve efficiency.

As a longtime member of the corporate world, Callahan said companies general operate with a specific general manager or chief executive officer overseeing operations. The CEO in this case, the town manager, answers to a board of directors in the town council that is elected by the people.

In the current form, commission members are appointed by political parties and Callahan said that left Charter Revision Commission members concerned that there is no proper checks and balances in place for the public.

“We voted in best interest of the Town of Southington. It wasn’t a decision made for any other reason,” Callahan said. “There is no advantage for us to do this, it’s not political. We did this in what we believe is best for the community.”

But Barry questioned the decision and said while he respects the Charter Revision Commission’s work and opinions, he disagreed with their views.

Government, Barry said, is not a business and should not operate like one. He said the commission should have put more consideration into other changes including whether the existing commissions should be elected – or if a change was even warranted at all.

“We have not received any data, or any examples of why we need a change,” Barry said. “To quote what (Fire Commissioner Michael Bunko) said, ‘making a change for the sake of change is not good policy’."

Conroy, who was in attendance at Monday’s council meeting, also expressed disagreement and said he wished the commission had done more to prove why a change was needed and why this would be the best change for the community.

He also challenged the voters to ask those questions as well.

“To all voters, when they go to cast their ballot, ask why. Why do we need to make change?” Conroy said. “Not one piece of evidence was given, not one document provided that shows a need for change.”

The council unanimously scheduled a public hearing on the matter for June 24, the next council meeting. The hearing will take place at 7 p.m. in the Public Assembly Room at the Southington Municipal Center.

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