Clallam: Public invited to review charter changes

PORT ANGELES -- A proposal to nominate and elect county commissioners by district rather than at large (but not increasing the number of commissioners from the present three) . . .

Changing the county's director of community development to an elected position . . .

Having partisan-elected county officials (i.e., Democrat, Republican, etc.), unless state law requires the offices to be non-partisan . . .

Specific language regarding the initiative and referendum process, the criteria for redistricting and county budget processes and timelines . . .

The Clallam County Charter Review Commission is now accepting comment on these and other proposed changes to the county's home-rule charter.

Beginning Thursday, a series of three public hearings this month will solicit input from local residents.

Thursday's hearing begins at 6:30 p.m. at Sequim City Hall, 190 W. Cedar St.

Meetings will be held in Port Angeles at the Clallam County Courthouse on June 20 and at Forks City Hall on June 27. Both meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.

The commission has been studying the charter for six months.

Chairman Dave Cummins of Sequim says the next step after the public hearings is to reflect on public input on each of the proposals and make any necessary changes.

A final set of charter amendments will go before the voters on the November general election ballot.

Copies of the proposed charter changes will be available at each meeting.

The changes will be posted soon on the Internet at www.clallam.net/bocc/bocc_ charter.ht