Government for the People & by the People

By Brian L. Baker

Thomas Jefferson once stated, “That government is the strongest of which every man feels himself a part. “ He further said, “Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights.”

His words ring a truth today. Informed and active citizens can be involved in their government. Our founding fathers were correct…we can have a government “for the people” and “by the people.” This foundational truth is why citizens should consider the value of a “Charter” form of government.

The advantages to a “Charter” form of government or “Home Rule” are numerous. First and foremost it brings government close to the citizens as possible, and the city charter is adjusted to local conditions. Currently, cities are classified in statute using a “one-size” fits all approach. Any changes have to be made my legislators and not voters.

A “Charter” form of government can give citizens and city officials’ greater flexibility in responding to citizen needs for public services without waiting for state legislative authorization. Instead of a legislator from St. Louis, Kansas City, or other areas of the state deciding our future and meeting our needs, local voters can decide best how to meet their needs.

“Charter” cities have a greater choice over governmental organization and more control over officials and city employees. Further, “Charter” cities can develop a more efficient administration plan because they are not bound by state restrictions.

“Charter” cities can decide the number of city councilmen they have and their terms in office. You can have at-large elections or ward elections…or a mixture of both. You can choose to have your Park Board appointed or you can have your Park Board elected. You can have your Planning & Zoning Board elected or appointed…or a mixture of both.

In terms of efficiency, you have the option of combining city positions. For example, you can combine your collector and treasurer or you can have two separate offices. You can combine your building inspector and codes enforcement office or keep them separate. You can have a city manager or a city administrator. Citizens can design their charter to give the city council more power than the mayor or give the mayor more power. You can even give the Mayor “veto” power. A “Charter” gives local citizens the means to decide the most efficient means to run a government.

You can choose the length of terms elected officials serve. Instead of two year terms, you can give a mayor four years, or give city councilman three year terms. Citizens could decide when they want their elections held. A “Charter” can choose to have their elections at their current appointed time or set times with state-wide elections or chose a different time completely. It would be up to the voters to decide how they wanted their “Charter” city to work.

Citizens can also vote to place “recall” and “initiative referendum” in their “Charter” government. Elected officials become more accountable to the voters. Of course, you want to set the standard for a recall at a high level so that you do not have constant recalls. However, giving the citizens the right to organize for change, again, gives the voters more voice.

“Charter” cities would give citizens more of a voice in the types of taxes they impose on themselves and how they tax themselves for services. This is common in growing areas like Springfield, Columbia, or St. Charles. Giving citizens, instead of big government in Jefferson City, more say in how they generate revenue and fund services truly makes government for the people and by the people.

“Charter” cities have more flexibility in dealing with ordinance issues like big-truck traffic or even rock quarry operations that might impact a city. The city could create friendlier and efficient codes enforcement ordinances.

Belton is asking voters to elect charter commissioners to help write a city charter. This charter can include or exclude these issues and much more. Voters have the opportunity to visit with these elected commissioners and provide input.

The “Charter” can encompass all the good things we have now…and add some great things to make our local city government better. Once the charter is written, the voters have the chance to review it and vote it up or down.

What if the “Charter” passes? That is the great part. The “Charter” can include the ability for citizens to collect petitions and offer ideas for change. The “Charter” can even include a review plan that allows a citizen-commission to review the “Charter” and recommend changes for the voters to decide.

The main point…the voters are involved and decide their own future.

Some say, “let our legislators” do this. It is important to keep in mind that you get ONE state representative out of 163 and 1 senator out of 34. When a state representative makes a change for one city, he or she has to convince 162 other people who do not live in the community or that area that it is a good change. He has to convince our senator and 33 others that it is a good change. Then the Governor has to decide if he will sign the legislation into law. This also means maneuvering around partisan politics to do something for local communities.

When enacted, a charter can only be adopted or changed by a majority vote of the registered voters in a city. The council cannot establish change on its own outside authority given in the charter. The city still must comply with state law, but can establish its own method for enacting ordinances.

Giving voters, the people that live with the decisions, more say and more involvement means faster action and a more open government. Remember, if the “Charter” is not written to the satisfaction of citizens, they can vote it down. If the voters approve the “Charter” it can also be changed by the voters.

The “Charter” is an option for your consideration. Give it some thought and then let your voice be heard.