New charter good for county

To the editor,

It’s that time of year again: election time. This year the voters in Montgomery County will make history by voting yes or no for a New Charter form of County Government. I am asking all members of the voting public to take the time and educate themselves on the New Charter. Over the past 30 years the County Board of Supervisors has looked at this topic at least four times formally and talked about it forever.

The public can review the Charter by logging onto the Montgomery County website, attend a local meeting on the matter, or reach out to one of the nine members of the Charter Commission for information. This Charter form of County Government does not change City, Town, or Village governments but instead brings Montgomery County in line with the majority of the counties in New York State that have made changes to their form of government.

Earlier this year the Board of Supervisors formed a sub-committee to look at a possible change in County Government. Following the request by the sub-committee, the full Board of Supervisors appointed a nine member Charter Commission. Among others, the Charter Commission included three attorneys, all of whom reside in the County, and a former County Supervisor.   

The Board of Supervisors then reviewed the Charter and by resolution placed it on the November ballot for the voters of Montgomery County to vote on.

While I believe this County Charter form of government will be good for the County, I urge you to get the facts before the November election.

Mayor James F. Post, Palatine Bridge,

Vice Chairman of Charter Commission