I got some requests for more info re: Q2. Here you go!

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October 2, 2022 (v2!)

Dear All,

My email sent Sunday evening referenced this Thursday's Mayor Zoom (10/6 at 7pm) which will feature two guests who will talk about Question 2 on Portland's local ballot. (Join Zoom Meeting
[link removed])
This will be a great chance to learn more - from people who have differing viewpoints - and to ask questions.

However, in that email, I didn't offer specific information about Question 2 so that you have access to details re: the focus area. My apologies - and please see below to know more.

Question 2 on our local ballot is Q2 is one of eight Charter Commission proposals.
Q2 contemplates changes to our Municipal Governance.

All info re: the full local ballot is here: [link removed]
And, all language re: Q2 is here: [link removed]
The language below is taken from the second link (above):

BALLOT QUESTION # 2—Governance
Shall the Municipality Approve the Charter Modifications Recommended by the Charter Commission Relating to Governance and Other Governance Related Matters as Summarized Below?

Summary: These modifications establish an executive mayor, allow the council to remove or censure the mayor, change from a city manager to a chief administrator, increase the number of city council seats from nine (9) to twelve (12), and make other changes relating to governance as follows: Creates an executive mayor and replaces the city manager with the position of chief administrator; Grants the executive mayor the following powers: nominate for appointment and remove the chief administrator; nominate for appointment all department head positions; exercise veto power over the city budget and city ordinances subject to council override; recommend for adoption by the city council rules that govern communications between city staff and elected officials; issue executive orders to implement council policy; and introduce legislation to the council; Increases the mayor’s compensation from one-and-a-half (1.5) times to two (2) times the median household income and ties city council and school
board member compensation to a minimum of ten percent (10%) of the mayor’s compensation;  Establishes the chief administrator as responsible for the administration of all departments and delivery of city services and grants the chief administrator the right to remove department heads in consultation with the executive mayor; Changes the composition and size of the city council by increasing the number of districts from five (5) to nine (9) and maintaining the existing three (3) at-large councilors; Grants the city council the power to censure or remove the mayor for cause, and to order a recall election of the mayor, by super-majority vote; Requires that the city council elect from among its members a chair and vice-chair, who shall organize the council into various committees; Provides that the city council chair shall preside over city council meetings and set the council agendas;  Requires that the city council create a review committee that shall (i) conduct regular evaluations of the
performance of the corporation counsel and city clerk and (ii) hold regular meetings with the chief administrator and department heads to understand the general working conditions and morale at city hall; the mayor shall lead the annual performance review of the chief administrator; Changes the composition of the school board by increasing the number of districts from five (5) to nine (9) and eliminating the at-large seats so that all members will represent a district; Directs the school board and city council to establish a joint committee on budget guidance, consisting of four (4) city councilors and four (4) school board members, appointed by the council chair and school board chair, respectively, to develop a proposed non-binding budget guidance document for the city council and school board; Portland Charter Commission – Final Report {P2036921.9} Directs the city council to develop and implement a participatory budget development process for the city budget that involves input from as
many Portland residents as possible; Modifies the capital improvement program process to require the chief administrator to jointly prepare with the superintendent a five-year capital improvement plan; and Modifies the vacancy provisions for the city council and school board to require a special election if the vacancy occurs more than six (6) months prior to the next municipal election. If the vacancy occurs within six (6) months prior to the next regular election, the city council or school board, as applicable, shall appoint a qualified person.

I hope this helps - and hope to see you on Thursday!
Kate Snyder

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Mayor Kate Snyder . 389 Congress St . Portland, ME 04101-3566 . USA

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