Saugus charter board begins to zero in on mission

SAUGUS – After more than a month of deliberation on various options, the Charter Commission is starting to lean in some definite directions.According to commission Chairman Peter Manoogian, the group is zeroing in on the size and make up of a potential legislative body and executive administration.The group is leaning toward a legislature that could consist of 25 to 35 members with a mix of at-large representatives.The commission also discussed retaining an appointed town manager, but is toying with the idea of establishing a formal screening committee for candidates. How that how a particular candidate might be nominated or selected is also being deliberated.Manoogian said the commission has been working well together, largely by sticking to one working theory – it explores areas where consensus is possible and then moves on to another topic.”No votes have been or will be taken until members feel that each topic has been discussed and deliberated,” he said.Manoogian said he believes it’s important for residents and voters to recognize the goal of the commission, which is to bring forth a proposal that will improve how government is organized and functions. And, he added, the commissioners have remained open to each other’s points of view and willing to compromise throughout the entire process.”It is important that every single member’s voice and views continue to be heard and respected as we approach making our recommendation to the community,” he said. “We owe that to each other and the voters who put us here to do this job.”The commission has also received assistance from consultant Michael P. Curran. Commission Vice Chairman Debra Panetta said having Curran on board gives them the advantage of having questions on practical and practiced applications answered immediately, which has been helpful.”Having an experienced consultant who has participated in crafting the actual state law that guides us, as well as over 60 municipal charters in Massachusetts has resulted in timely and appropriate responses to member questions,” Panetta said. “It has brought a level of expertise and experience that members feel is quite valuable. The breadth and depth of his knowledge has already proven to be of benefit to us.”The commission meets next on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Auditorium. The public is not only welcome but encouraged to attend and participate during each of two public input opportunities.While all the commission’s work seems like a far off endeavor, the timeline is closing in.According to the timeline laid out by the commissioners, there should be a final proposal on the table by March. That will be sent to the Attorney General’s office for approval pending a public hearing in Saugus.The Board of Selectmen will have the job of getting the proposal to every household, and then it goes to the voters in November 2009.