The Patriot Corner

THIS IS YOUR CITY!

This is a phrase that all citizens of Parma will become much more familiar with over the next few months. A group of concerned citizens has joined together to propose that a City Charter Commission be put on the ballot in November and we are actively circulating petitions towards this end.

So what is a Charter? A Charter is a document that defines the framework of the rules we abide by. The US Constitution and the Ohio Constitution can both be considered Charters.

The City of Parma currently operates without a Charter. This makes us one of the few cities in Ohio that does not, and subjects us to being governed by the Ohio Revised Code. As a result, we have many unnecessary departments that are mandated by the ORC. Would it not make more sense to eliminate redundancy and eliminate wasteful spending? Would it not make more sense for rules that apply to us to be developed here rather than Columbus?

There is a common misconception that a Charter results in taxes being implemented. Nothing could be further from the truth. A properly written Charter does not and will not implement taxes. In fact, a properly written Charter mandates that any tax increase being considered must be voted on and approved by the residents of the community.  

A well-written Charter could also result in non-partisan elections. Would this not be a refreshing change? Perhaps someone not connected to the political machine in Parma might actually feel they have a chance to win. Just imagine the result, fresh ideas to move Parma forward rather than the same names just changing horses on the carousel.

Some of the other benefits of a Charter would be efficiencies in many departments and elimination of duplication that are a direct result of operating under the ORC. We could require professional qualifications for certain administrative positions such as we currently do for the Law Director. We could even require the checks and balances system of having Council approve Mayoral appointments. Potentially, we could actually have our taxes lowered as we find ways to do more with less.

If any of this sounds interesting, I would ask that you get involved in moving this forward. Two of the best ways you can do this are by first getting involved and helping us collect signatures to put the issue of forming a Charter Commission to write a Charter on the ballot in November and also by considering running to be on the Charter Commission. We need good people who are committed to reforming the city to get involved and make a difference.

Parma has been run by the same people for so many years that many of them seem to consider it a birthright and a legacy.  It is well past time that the citizens of Parma put a stop to this and implement some controls.

THIS IS YOUR CITY!