Voters Asked to Make Historic Vote on City Charter

Isaac DIggs tells the city council about the changes to the charter that residents will vote on November 8.

By Nancy Peckenham

Residents of the city of Newburgh face a rare opportunity this November, when they will be asked to vote on two proposals that would significantly change how city government operates.

For the first time in 93 years, voters will be asked whether they want to change the city’s charter, allowing residents in future elections to choose their city council members based on where they live, a ward system of government. Currently, all four members of the city council are elected at-large and all voters can choose from the same pool of candidates.

In a ward system, voters in each ward would choose among candidates running in their ward. Issac Diggs, a member of the citizens charter review commission that is making the proposals, told the city council that three council members still would be elected at-large, expanding the full council to seven members.

Ward System, More Oversight of City Manager Recommended

Diggs said the commission worked with the guidance of two municipal experts to compare systems of government and find one that would work better for the city of Newburgh. “The ward system provides for more balance,” Diggs said. “People felt disconnected from elected officials who were not from their neighborhood. “ He also said the increased numbers on the council should create more consensus among members.

Voters also will be asked to vote on a second amendment that gives the council more control over the hiring and firing of city managers. Diggs said the commission saw the problems created by a high turnover of city managers and proposed that the city council oversee the position more rigorously. The proposal says the council must have a “super majority” (majority plus one) vote to hire or fire the manager and very specific job qualifications are spelled out. If not already a city resident, a city manager is given 125 to re-locate under the proposal.

Get all the details about the proposed amendments, including a videotape of Issac Diggs’ presentation to city council on October 11, right here: www.cityofnewburgh-ny.gov/charter/resources.htm.