Public Forum Vets City Panel’s Recommendation For More Council Seats, Longer Terms

A public debate Thursday will vet the pros and cons of an official city commission’s recommendation for a bigger council, longer mayor and council terms, and election cycles that match federal elections.

Rockville Community Coalition is hosting the free event 7 p.m. Thursday at the Old Red Brick Courthouse in Courthouse Square.

Established by Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio and the council in April, the Charter Review Commission in December presented a report with three main recommendations:

1. That mayor and council terms be extended from two years to four.
2. That the city election cycle be changed to correspond with presidential elections.
3. That the city council body be expanded from four members to six.

The mayor and council will decide whether to place the recommendations on the November city ballots in as advisory referenda.

The report is available on the city’s website.

Thursday’s presenters include current members of the Charter Review Commission, former mayors and former council members, according to the Rockville Community Coalition.

Steve VanGrack, chairman of the charter review commission and a former mayor, is the keynote speaker. The debate will be moderated by Cheryl Kagan, a former member of the Maryland House of Delegates.

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If you go …

What: Public forum on the recommendations of the Rockville Charter Review Commission, hosted by the Rockville Community Coalition.

When:  7 p.m. Thursday, March 21.

Where:  Ceremonial Courtroom, Old Red Brick Courthouse, 29 Courthouse Square.

More: Learn more about the Rockville Community Coalition online, at rockcom.org.

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Related coverage:

• Rockville Charter Review Commission to Hold Town Hall Meetings
• Report of the 2012 Charter Review Commission (City of Rockville, PDF)
• A Public Forum On The Recommendations of the Rockville Charter Review Commission (calendar)