Understanding the benefits of the Charter Review Board
What is a Florida Charter County?
Florida has 67 Counties, 20 of which are Charter Counties. Charter Counties have a "Charter" which is like a limited home rule constitution. It describes the structure of County Government, including the elected officials.
What are the benefits of the Sarasota County Charter?
The Charter gives a clearly defined structure to Sarasota County Government.
What are the benefits of the having an elected Charter Review Board?
There are 4 ways in which the Charter can be amended:
1. An amendment can be proposed by the State Legislature.
2. The County Commission can propose an amendment.
3. The Charter Review Board can propose an amendment.
4. An amendment can be proposed by Voter Initiative.
In Charter Counties having a Charter Review Board appointed by the County Commission the board is, in my opinion, an unnecessary redundancy as the County Commission already has the ability to propose amendments.
The real purpose of the board is to be a place where the people can bring their ideas and suggestions and have them fully reviewed in an interactive manner without having to jump the huge hurdles of a Voter Initiative.
1. An amendment can be proposed by the State Legislature.
2. The County Commission can propose an amendment.
3. The Charter Review Board can propose an amendment.
4. An amendment can be proposed by Voter Initiative.
In Charter Counties having a Charter Review Board appointed by the County Commission the board is, in my opinion, an unnecessary redundancy as the County Commission already has the ability to propose amendments.
The real purpose of the board is to be a place where the people can bring their ideas and suggestions and have them fully reviewed in an interactive manner without having to jump the huge hurdles of a Voter Initiative.