David sponsors separation of powers ordinance
November 20 ,2008
Council to consider separation of powers
By Chad Cain, Daily Hampshire Gazette
By Chad Cain, Daily Hampshire Gazette
NORTHAMPTON - The City Council will consider an
ordinance amendment tonight that would prohibit its
nine members from serving on 18 specific boards,
commissions and committees that make administrative
decisions for the city.
The ordinance change, recommended by Ward 4 City Council David J. Narkewicz, is a concerted effort to separate the powers between the legislative and administrative branches of city government.
Authority, oversight
The governmental bodies identified are those that have administrative authority or independent oversight, such as the Planning Board or Board of Public Works, and would not pertain to City Council committees, advisory committees where councilors serve as liaisons, and other entities that, by design, incorporate councilors and other community members to study issues and make recommendations.
But if a board serves as a regulatory body, Narkewicz doesn't believe councilors should serve on both bodies at the same time.
"For me, it's about having the clear separation between the different branches of government," Narkewicz said.
The council meeting begins with public comment at 7:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Puchalski Municipal Building, and is followed immediately by a Finance Committee meeting, after which the regular session resumes.
In August, the council voted down a different version of the ordinance amendment because many members felt it was too broad and too vague.
Others said they have not heard a large outcry from the public about its members serving on boards in addition to their duties as councilors.
Until a few weeks ago, three council members were sitting on these boards.
Two of those members have since resigned their posts, with At Large City Councilor James M. Dostal stepping down from the BPW and Ward 1 City Councilor Maureen T. Carney resigning from the Housing Authority.
Ward 5 City Councilor David A. Murphy remains on the Central Business Architecture Committee.
The ordinance change, recommended by Ward 4 City Council David J. Narkewicz, is a concerted effort to separate the powers between the legislative and administrative branches of city government.
Authority, oversight
The governmental bodies identified are those that have administrative authority or independent oversight, such as the Planning Board or Board of Public Works, and would not pertain to City Council committees, advisory committees where councilors serve as liaisons, and other entities that, by design, incorporate councilors and other community members to study issues and make recommendations.
But if a board serves as a regulatory body, Narkewicz doesn't believe councilors should serve on both bodies at the same time.
"For me, it's about having the clear separation between the different branches of government," Narkewicz said.
The council meeting begins with public comment at 7:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Puchalski Municipal Building, and is followed immediately by a Finance Committee meeting, after which the regular session resumes.
In August, the council voted down a different version of the ordinance amendment because many members felt it was too broad and too vague.
Others said they have not heard a large outcry from the public about its members serving on boards in addition to their duties as councilors.
Until a few weeks ago, three council members were sitting on these boards.
Two of those members have since resigned their posts, with At Large City Councilor James M. Dostal stepping down from the BPW and Ward 1 City Councilor Maureen T. Carney resigning from the Housing Authority.
Ward 5 City Councilor David A. Murphy remains on the Central Business Architecture Committee.