Commission To Consider

The Role Of The Selectmen

By Steve Bigham

First Selectman Herb Rosenthal went before the Charter Revision Commission two weeks ago to stress his belief that there needs to be a better balance of power in Newtown. In his opinion, the Board of Selectmen has lost almost all of its authority in favor of the Legislative Council.

Mr Rosenthal pointed to numerous ambiguities in the charter that can be read one of two ways. Read it one way and the decision rests in the hands of the selectmen. Read it another way and the decisions rest solely with the council.

These so-called ambiguities have become magnified over the past year or so as the selectmen and council deliberate Fairfield Hills. Many have taken notice of the council’s ability to have some administrative input, which, in the case of Fairfield Hills, has caused tension between the two boards.

Still, as Charter Revision Commission Chairman Bill Sheluck points out, the 12-member charter panel is responsible for looking beyond the current personalities that make up the town government when determining what should and should not be changed. Still, he is among those who believe some power must be restored to the first selectman.

“I think there is definitely a building consensus that the first selectman as CEO of the town does not have a lot of power under the present charter,” noted Mr Sheluck. “Some feel that it is desirable that, going forward, that position should carry more direct power in order for the first selectman to make decisions in a more timely basis.”

Many regard the first selectman position to be very weak under the current charter, with most of the power resting in the hands of the Legislative Council. First Selectman Herb Rosenthal is expected to reiterate that sentiment as he meets with the charter panel later this week.

“I view it not from a power perspective, but from an accountability perspective,” Mr Rosenthal said. “It is hard for the voters to know who has the accountability for what happens. If the Charter Revision Commission does nothing else, it should try to eliminate the overlapping of authority between the council and Board of Selectmen.”

The first selectman believes the Legislative Council’s role should be solely financial, pointing out that its ability to initiate special appropriations now “usurps” the role of the executive branch.

Commission member George Caracciolo has been vocal in his support for a town manager form of government, pointing out that 47 percent of US cities with more than 5,000 residents have a town manager. Next week, David Borley, town council chairman for the town of Cheshire, will speak to the commission about his town’s town manager form of government.

Last week, members also discussed the possible creation of a professional administrative assistant position. Some felt the position would limit the accountability and flexibility of the first selectman. There was a suggestion that the first selectman be required to develop a five-year strategic plan for the town that shows the vision for the community with a yearly update.

The Charter Revision Commission was not scheduled to meet this week.