Guilford charter commission chair outlines revision process; petition drive underway in North Branford

Bridal Sharkey, who identifies himself as chair of the Guilford Charter Revision Commission, explained on Community Lens how charter revision commissions operate and how their work reaches a ballot. "We are now in a process that we've been in since April to evaluate a couple of specific provisions of the charter," he said, and he described required public hearings and a timeline that could put proposals on the November ballot.

Sharkey described two common paths to create a commission: appointment by the council or board of selectmen, which can narrow the commissions scope, or initiation by petition, which he said can leave the commission with broader discretion. He urged local participation ahead of public hearings and noted Guilfords experience of focused scope and a forthcoming second public hearing on July 30. "We're here to offer, answer any questions and offer any advice I can," he said.

Host Kara Papa confirmed that a petition is live in North Branford and encouraged residents to sign and return completed signatures to the town clerk; she said volunteers hope to collect signatures by September. Sharkey and Papa urged residents to attend public hearings and use the statutory process to shape any charter changes rather than assume outcomes.