PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (203) 946-6483
(New Haven)- The 2013 Charter Revision Commission scheduled was released today. The Commission will begin its work with four public hearings. The public hearings will take place weather permitting at 7 PM in the community as follows on…
Re-Thinking New Haven: Community Conversation on Charter Reform
Re-Thinking New Haven: Community Conversation on Charter Reform
December 10, 5:30-7 pm
71 Orange St., New Haven (The Grove)
Between now and May 2013 the city’s most basic governing document will be under review, and your ideas needs to be heard! There is nothing more important that engaged citizens can do than make their voices heard on how to create a truly effective and representative structure of government. A commission appointed by the Board of Aldermen will be holding public hearings on charter revision in the upcoming months — but we don’t have to wait for them to get the ball rolling.
Please be part of formulating a citizens’ agenda for charter reform.
Some of the topics that may be considered in charter revision:
* term limits
* size and structure of Board of Aldermen
* moving to an elected or partially elected Board of Education
* residency requirements for city employees
* new Code of Ethics
In fact every aspect of the charter is up for review — nothing is off the table!
How can we reform the structure of government to make it conducive to better governance and a more thriving city?
Please help launch that effort. Be in on the ground floor of the future of self-government of New Haven.
On Monday, December 10th from 5:30 to 7 pm we will gather and collectively build what we need for a successful charter reform process. We invite and support a dynamic dialogue with new and diverse voices. Please help spread the word about this community forum!
List of New Haven polling places by voting district. Please note that in several wards there are multiple polling places.
Are you going to be away on August 14 and need to request an absentee ballot for the primary election that day?
There is a two-step procedure for voting by absentee.
You can download an absentee ballot application at the Secretary of the State’s website.
Or you can call the New Haven…
Citizenship: What Every American Needs to Know
“A new book compiled by Brenda Star of StarGroup International will be hitting the shelves this July. Citizenship: What Every American Needs to Know is a compact easy-to-read, concise educational book about America: its history, its government and how it works. With a presidential election just four months away and growing concern over America’s civic knowledge deficit, Citizenship offers citizens the tools they need to take part in thoughtful civic engagement.” Read more.
Would You Like the Secretary of the State to Visit Your School?
The Secretary of the State’s office provides classroom visitations and lectures throughout the state at the elementary, middle school, high school and college levels. Age-appropriate workshops address the role of the Secretary of the State, the importance of voting and civic participation, and demonstrate the relationship between government and issues that affect everyday life in Connecticut. Secretary Merrill also registers individuals to vote at these sessions as appropriate.
If you are interested in having a speaker address your class, please contact the Secretary of the State’s office at 860-509-6200 or email ilona.havrilla@ct.gov.
Election Day Voter Registration is Coming to Connecticut
Among the bills waiting for the Governor’s signature is a measure that will allow Connecticut citizens to register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day. The Governor is expected to sign the bill. Read more.
Next New Haven Votes Coalition Meeting: Tuesday, April 24
The next meeting of the New Haven Votes coalition will be held on Tuesday morning, 4/24, at 10 AM at the New Haven Register offices, 40 Sargent Drive.
We will be planning voter registration, furthering plans for the civic health index forum, and discussing a way to increase civics education in public schools.
Hope you can make it!
Connecticut Ranks High in Government Integrity Report, But Problems Remain
The nonprofit Center for Public Integrity recently issued ‘report cards’ ranking state government performance in terms of transparency and integrity. Connecticut ranked highly in the report but scored poorly in “Judicial Accountability,” “State Civil Service Management,” and “Legislative Accountability.” Read more here.
Important Registration Dates for April 24 GOP Presidential Primary
CUT-OFF DATES FOR THE REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL
PREFERENCE PRIMARY ON APRIL 24TH:
- OUTSIDE REGISTRATIONS AND ENROLLMENTS: THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012
- MAIL-IN APPLICATIONS FOR NEW VOTERS AND ENROLLMENTS MUST BE
- POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN THURSDAY, APRIL 19TH.
- IN PERSON REGISTRATION AND ENCROLLMENT CUT-OFF: MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2012 AT 12:00 NOON
