Charlotte Melson, Charter Commission Candidate

1. What is your reason for running for Charter Commission?

  I wanted to run for Charter Commissioner because I have a vast amount of experience on the charter process that can be beneficial to the writing of a simple document. My goal would be to assist in creating a simple document that follows protocol, is well documented and in the end is presented to voters in a clear, understandable format that has been agreed upon by the majority of the commissioners.

 2. What is your political experience? (positions you have held or ran for, from delegate to president)

  I have served on the Board of Aldermen for Ward 3 for the past 15 years.  During that time I have been chair of the Finance, Municipal and Legislative Committees, served on the Council On Aging, Chair of the EMS/Fire Merger Committee, Pension Review Committee, Transit Study Committee, Creating Quality Places Committee, Park Board Liaison, Citizen Sales Tax Review Committee and Fireworks Committee.  I currently serve on the board of the Shepherd’s Center of Raytown, co-chair of the First Suburbs Coalition, member of KC Communities for All Ages and the Raytown Chamber of Commerce.

 3. Do you favor charter that simply implements:

a. Our present status quo.

b. Status quo with recall, referendum, and initiative added.

c. More extensive changes to our form of government.

 I have no preconceived agenda with regard to the charter but am willing to complete, if elected, a document that is in the best interest for all the residents of Raytown.

 3a. If your answer to question 3 was (c), what changes do you feel would be of benefit to our city?

 n/a

 4. What budgetary restraints and guideline should the Charter Commission implement to control the Commissions expenditures?

 I believe that the Charter Commission should follow all requirements that are outlined by the process including detailed minutes and itemized financial reports, which should be available to the public. With the financial restrictions that are authorized, all expenditures need to fall within the amounts given and documented clearly.

 5. What benefits do you see a charter would  bring to Raytown?

  I will wait for comment on the benefits, as I would like to make sure the process is followed and all commissioners elected to have a voice to be heard.  Ultimately, the document needs the majority of the commissioners in agreement to go forward to the voters.   I would be honored to serve as a charter commissioner and would appreciate your vote on April 8^th.