Charter Commission Holds Inaugural Meeting, Outlines Agenda
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Mayor Michael Bloomberg's charter revision commission laid out its agenda for the next few months during its first official meeting Thursday in Downtown, Brooklyn.
The group is charged with proposing changes to the New York City charter -- the governing document that dictates how power is doled out and business is done at City Hall.
Commission Chairman Matthew Goldstein set out an aggressive timetable, telling the panel he wants it to be prepared to put at least some of its recommendations before voters this fall.
"I think it's important that we focus and be diligent and understand that the election that will take place in November 2010 is a very important election," said Charter Commission Chairman Matthew Goldstein.
Outside the hearing, volunteers and staff members from the public advocate's office collected signatures for a petition calling for an engaging and transparent process.
The commission could examine everything from term limits to the role of borough presidents to the way the city makes land use decisions.
City Comptroller John Liu also wants the commission to expand his office's authority in dealing with the budget.