On Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, New London voters will be asked to vote on the issue of changing the City's Charter. There is only one question on the ballot regarding this issue so all the proposed changes will be enacted if the question passes. As such, it is crucial that New Londoners educate themselves on all the provisions included in the proposed change.

The documents attached below are provided to assist the decision making process. They include 1) The presentation given by the New London Republican Party on October 22, 2008, at the New London Library, 2) The Final Proposed Changes to the City of New London Charter, and 3) the Current City of New London Charter.

As a summary, the Proposed Amendments to the City Charter include the following:

- Administrative changes updating the Charter for current practices (re: obsolete provisions, council meeting time, and fiscal year)
- Creation of a directly elected, strong Mayor serving as City’s CEO (4-year term, $100,000 annual salary, elected by plurality)
- Creation of a Director of Administrative Services position
- Elimination of the City Manager position
- Mayoral appointment of all City administrative positions without City Council approval
- Mayoral participation at Board of Education meetings
- Mayoral submittal of the initial annual budget
- Mayoral veto power over City Council measures
- Doubling the number of signatures required for referenda petitions
- Limiting budget referenda to two
- Elimination of both the Board of Finance’s ability to set a budget cap and its responsibility for approving bonds

Any questions may be addressed to Councilor Sprecace by using the "Feedback" link at the upper right of this site.

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