Is a charter the answer?

To the editor:

The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors decided that Montgomery County requires a new form of government — a charter. To this end, the Board of Supervisors appointed a commission to create this charter. The commission chairman, FMCC President Dustin Swanger, Ed.D, believes that this commission created a new commendable form of county government with which you, the taxpayer, should acquaint yourself. He is also confident you will find this charter a solution to all and any problems the county taxpayers face. In the September 13, 2012 Recorder, he advises that this charter will not create another layer of government ... well except perhaps for the new county executive, 9 legislators and their staffs. The current supervisors will remain as heads of their respective towns/wards. I strongly urge you to acquaint yourself with this new form of government. However, as you read the charter documents ask yourself why we need this, what unintended consequences may arise because of its institution and what are the additional costs this governing system will impose on the county taxpayers. After you have completed your due diligence, go vote.

Michael Kuhne,

Fort Plain