WEST SPRINGFIELD — At the beginning of April, the town of West Springfield announced the kickoff of its 2025 Charter Review Committee, in accordance with the West Springfield Home Rule Charter, which mandates a review every 10 years.
This year’s committee consists of seven members, including four appointees by Mayor William Reichelt and three Town Council appointees in accordance with the Home Rule Charter.
The mayor’s appointees are former Mayor Ed Gibson, former Town Council President Kathy Bourque, Public Safety Commission member Brian Harrington and resident Stephanie Gendron.
The Town Council’s appointees are Town Council President Sean Powers, Councilors Anthony DiStefano and Jaime Smith. Powers serves as chair of the committee, and Bourque serves as vice chair.
“The requirement is essentially every 10 years to review what was originally drafted and to see if anything is needed from an update perspective,” Powers said.
In the past, some changes have been grammatical while other changes have included the term length for the mayor.
The Charter Review Committee had its first three initial meetings on April 14 and 28, and May 12. They also met again on June 23 and agreed on what revisions the group wanted to send to the Town Council and mayor’s office.
The Town Council and the mayor must approve the suggestions that the committee made, or it does not make it on the ballot in the fall.
“If one of them says no then it does not make the ballot,” Powers said.
Powers explained that the committee spent the four meetings breaking down each individual section for review and deciding whether certain sections needed clarity if they were too vague.
Each meeting was also open to the public and Powers stated, “We discussed generally comments we’ve heard from others, residents, neighbors and friends, but also our own interpretation.”
Powers said the Town Council will discuss and vote on the suggestions at a meeting in July. It will also be heard and discussed at the ordinance and policy subcommittee first and they will make a recommendation when it comes up for discussion at the regular Town Council meeting.
If approved by the Town Council and then the mayor, the suggested revisions will be listed on the ballot in the fall where residents will have the final say.
Although the review process is mandated by the town charter, Powers discussed the importance of breaking down and potentially revising the charter every 10 years.
He said, “I think it’s extremely important. The charter is the town’s constitution, so just like for the United States, our constitution in town is a living document that can be interpreted. I think that as things evolve, as the town goes through changes, I think that revisiting from time to time with a mixed group of individuals from the community is exactly what should be done. I think it highlights the principles of what our government is supposed to represent which is by the people.”
Reichelt also talked about the importance of revisiting the Town Charter and receiving input from different members of the community.
He said, “Conducting a thorough review of our Town Charter is essential to ensuring our local government continues to serve the needs of our community effectively. I’m grateful to the diverse and experienced group of residents who have agreed to serve on this committee, and I look forward to the thoughtful discussions and public input that will guide this important process.”
