By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
Mayor Dorinda Borer held an inaugural meeting of the Charter Revision Commission on March 19.
The organizational meeting took place in the City Council chambers of City Hall and marked the official start of an effort to modernize West Haven’s governing document, which has not seen a successful revision since 2009.
The meeting included a presentation on the charter revision process by commission attorney Steven Mednick.
The newly appointed commission members are West Haven residents Roberta Garlock, Arthur Gilbert, Bridgette Hoskie, Steven Iadarola, Steven Johnstone, Arthur Kelly, Tony Mancini, Lalani Perry and Gayle Tagliatela.
Borer recently requested that the City Council form the commission as an opportunity to revise outdated government processes, roles, authority and accountability.
“A charter is one of the most direct expressions of local democracy — a community writing, or rewriting, the rules of its own governance — and the members of the Charter Revision Commission will help take the lead for our city,” Borer said. “The work ahead is some of the most meaningful civic work there is, and I am truly grateful that these new commission members have committed their time and expertise to it.”
Borer, now in her second term, said the goal is to ensure that the commission’s recommendations can reach voters as a referendum question for the November 2026 election. Otherwise, by law, the city cannot consider the process again until 2028.
Kelly was unanimously elected the commission’s chairman, and Perry was elected vice chair.
“As chairman of the Charter Revision Commission, I am honored by the trust placed in me and committed to leading a thoughtful, transparent and inclusive process,” said Kelly, a lifelong Westie. “Our work is about strengthening the foundation of our government to better serve the residents today and in the future.”
Borer added: “This process is about integrity, transparency and building a structure that allows West Haven to thrive. We are looking at critical updates, including the potential transition from two- to four-year mayoral terms to help us attract and retain top-tier talent for our city.”
Borer said the commission must complete its work within a tight six-month window to meet the Sept. 3 deadline for filing referendum questions with the Office of the Secretary of the State.
Residents are encouraged to attend meetings and stay informed as the commission begins its review of the city’s administrative and operational processes.
For more information and to view upcoming agendas, visit the city website: https://www.cityofwesthaven.com/AgendaCenter/Charter-Revision-Commission-25.