Published: May 12, 2008 02:36 pm            

The truth about the new charter

Rumors and half-truths fill the air and print in McAlester so it must be election time. A few examples include:

• The new charter gives excessive power to the council. False. The new charter doesn’t increase council power, but does require more responsibility and accountability from city hall. It actually provides for more citizen input and influence.

• The new charter was written in secret. False. The council-appointed commission met regularly at city hall for almost two years with a single agenda: Improve our charter. The public and press were invited and the mayor, city manager, city attorney, guest experts and citizens attended meetings.

• The new charter is “ambiguous” about who’s in charge at city hall. False. The language cited as being ambiguous is commonly used in charters and is not problematic. The new charter does permit a city employee to talk to a councilman without fear of termination as has happened in the past.

• No lawyer was on the charter commission. Half-truth. Our city attorney reviewed many drafts of the new charter. Other well-qualified local and state attorneys, financial and city government experts have reviewed it. The commission was guided by the National Civic League’s Model Charter, eighth edition, used by thousands of U.S. cities for their basic charter structure. Many attorneys have reviewed this model.

• The Audit and Finance Advisory Committee gives orders to city employees. False. This committee is strictly an advisory group and can’t give orders to anyone. Its role is to aid the council and city to get McAlester’s financial house in order by providing independent financial expertise. Its membership, rules and mission are all council-approved. McAlester is not alone in having such a group to increase financial accountability.

• This election requires “heavy reading” from the public. Half-truth. McAlester’s citizens read and voted on a new charter in 1972 and upon previous occasions. The new charter is well-organized and easy to understand. Please become informed and vote on Tuesday.

In addition to myself, the other members of the Charter Review Commission are former Mayor Tim Wynn, chairman; Sharon Ervin (Ward Two), Debbie Quadracci (Ward Three), Dorothy Crone (Ward Four), John Cathey (Ward Five) and Phil Beatty (Ward Six). Any of these members will be glad to answer your questions.

Weldon Smith is the Charter Review Commission vice-chairman and Ward One Councilman for the city of McAlester.

        

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