The Charter Review Committee continues its efforts to finalize the revised city charter through the next several weeks.

By Eileen Qiu

Language became the center of attention at last Thursday’s Charter Review Meeting as examination over article one and two of the charter draft drew conflicting opinions.

“One of the reasons why this is here, and it will probably come up in the transition position too, is to ensure that the ordinances are in harmony with the charter,” meeting member Elizabeth Corbo said. “In reviewing the charter every 10 years, if there are amendments in the charter, then that can be reflected in the next review”

Committee member William White said a review every decade would be a good idea since it shouldn’t be a big task for the city council, but it might be a big task for the committee that has to review all the ordinances.

He said ordinances aren’t reviewed periodically in other cities because it’s such an enormous task, but it must be done either with an appointed firm or agency.

In deciding which members of the community could review ordinances, White said the term “voters” should be changed to residents in order to be more inclusive. “If you’re not a resident, then you can’t vote,” he said.

It might be hard to distinguish residents from none-residents, but determining who is a registered voter or not, would be simpler Corbo said.

The language of the section is just an example and not a recommendation for what would work for Somerville, she said. A review does not have to happen every decade, and the language isn’t set in stone, but the goal is to get the discussion started.

Corbo clarified it could be any standard for members of the review committee, but there needs to be a way of verifying the standard. The goal isn’t to exclude members of the community who can’t register to vote.

Another hot topic of discussion was group health insurance and life insurance. There are other communities that question whether elected officials should vote on their own benefits Corbo said. It might not be what Somerville residents want to do, but it’s another example and opportunity to start the conversation.

Health insurance could be a good incentive for people to get their foot into political service some comments typed in from remote spectators stated. Health insurance and benefits should not be taken away from elected officials in the interest of diversity and inclusion committee member Kat Rutkin said.

The provision is not taking away from members who already have health insurance but would only apply to new elected members. However, Rutkin said that would limit groups to only wealthier people who already have benefits and can afford to support themselves as a political service member.

The provisions reviewed in the meeting were reserved in the draft after the conclusion. The next meeting will occur on October 13, regarding administration organization and finance.