(Crystal A. Proxmire, July 24, 2021)
Pontiac, MI – Voters throughout Pontiac are being asked a one-line question on the Aug. 3 ballot:
“Shall the 1982 Charter for the City of Pontiac be revised by a Charter Commission to be selected by the electorate?”
For a clear definition of a city charter, we look to Michigan Municipal League, who says “A charter is similar to a local Constitution it prescribes procedures to be followed in operating local government, establishes the powers and duties of elected officials, creates safeguards to protect against misuse of authority, and provides opportunities for citizen involvement. Michigan is a home rule state, and home rule gives the citizenry the right and responsibility to form its own government. A charter provides the mechanism for accomplishing the myriad tasks assigned to elected officials to govern their communities. Citizens write the charter and determine what the governmental structure will be to exercise those powers.”