Stamford charter revision panel to hear from residents

STAMFORD — Residents who would like to see changes made to the city’s charter will be able to speak about their ideas during two public hearings this week.

Stamford’s Charter Revision Commission will hold one hearing in person Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Stamford Government Center’s cafeteria, which is on the fourth floor of the building at 888 Washington Blvd. Members of the public do not need to sign up in advance to speak.

The second hearing will take place Thursday at 7 p.m. via Zoom: https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/81752331954. Citizens have until Thursday at 2 p.m. to sign up to speak using an online form.

Alternatively, members of the public may submit comments in writing by using the form or by emailing charterrevision2@stamfordct.gov. During Thursday’s virtual hearing, commission leaders said they will try to accommodate those who didn’t sign up in advance or submit written comments.

Individuals with disabilities who need an accommodation to take part in the hearings may contact Vikki Cooper, the city’s Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator, at 203-977-5726 or VCooper@StamfordCT.gov.

In March, the Board of Representatives sent the commission a list of ideas to consider as part of the review process, asking the group to comment on each one. The commission is expected to weigh in on whether the city’s elected officials should have term limits, whether the members of the boards of representatives, finance and education should receive compensation and whether the Board of Representatives should have the power to adjudicate citizen petitions, among other subjects.

The commission must provide the Board of Representatives a draft report by June 7, 2023. The board will determine the ballot questions that will likely go before voters in 2024.