To the Editor:

I appreciate the thoughtful letter from Mr Walczak [“Let The People In,” The Newtown Bee, May 14, 2021] regarding public access to the Charter Revision process, and as the chair of the Charter Revision Committee, I wholeheartedly agree that the process should be transparent and open to public scrutiny. We have taken great pains to ensure that the process we are using is efficient and have reviewed our structure with the FOI Commission to ensure it is consistent with the law. As I have made clear throughout our meetings, we are committed to an open process and invite public participation in our meetings.

The collaboration of commissioners to research and gather information is an important step to having insightful and robust debate. That process is most effective if accomplished among our workgroups. It is exactly this type of activity that the Court and the FOI Commission has recognized and sanctioned as it is efficient, yields better information at our public meetings, and creates more comprehensive analysis and debate of the issues. The workgroups have no independent authority and simply bring the results of their research to the full commission for an open dialogue and consideration in full public view.

As we continue this important work, we welcome public engagement and feedback. Rest assured, no one is trying to hide the ball on this work. Our regularly scheduled meetings are on the 2nd and 3rd Wednesday of each month, at which the workgroups will report on their work and discuss their view on appropriate revisions to the charter. We hope to see new and familiar faces alike at all of our meetings.

Andrew Buzzi, Jr, Chairman

2021 Charter Revision Commission

38 Obtuse Road, Newtown May 21, 2021