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Rewriting the Rules in Plattsburgh

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Mountain Lake Journal
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A document that sets the ground rules for how the city government of Plattsburgh, New York operates could soon change, and it's up to many of you, the voters.  A review of the city charter is now set to appear on November's election slate, potentially reshaping how the city government functions. 

The City of Plattsburgh’s first charter, its governing document, was written more than 120 years ago. Since then, it’s undergone just one major overhaul, with voters approving a new charter back in 2015. It updated the language, clarified the mayor and council’s powers, and staggered councilors’ terms. 

A new charter revision commission was tasked back in January with reexamining the 2015 charter. The changes they’re recommending will be on the ballot for City of Plattsburgh voters this November. 

Champlain Valley Reporter Cara Chapman of North Country Public Radio speaks with City of Plattsburgh Charter Commission Member Michele Friedman about what to consider when voting next month.

 

The City of Plattsburgh Charter Revision Commission’s proposal is available at City Hall and on the city’s website, cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov. City residents will vote on whether to adopt the changes this fall. Election Day is Tuesday, November third.

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Guest Reporter Cara Chapman

Cara Chapman of Plattsburgh, New York, is an award-winning journalist and North Country Public Radio’s Champlain Valley reporter. She’s a lifelong resident of the region and previously worked for the Press-Republican newspaper. During more than a decade in local news, she’s covered crime, education, health, government, politics and human-interest stories.

Cara’s office is based at the Mountain Lake PBS studios, where she’s often accompanied by her trusty canine companion, Blue. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, tennis and long walks with her family around Plattsburgh.