The Charter Revision Commission of Buffalo is making significant strides in proposing reforms that could reshape the city’s governance. Among the key changes under consideration are modifications to the election process for mayor, comptroller, and council members. The commission is working diligently to draft formal language for these proposed changes, which will be subject to a public referendum.

The commission’s recent meeting highlighted the complexity and urgency of the task at hand. While some members hoped to review fully drafted language, the decision was made to address the formal drafting in the coming weeks. This approach aims to streamline the process and ensure that all proposed changes are thoroughly vetted.

Key Proposed Reforms

The commission has identified several critical areas for reform, including:

  • Ranked-choice voting in city elections.
  • Semi-open primariesallowing unaffiliated voters to participate in party primaries.
  • Reducing the number of petition signatures required for candidates to run for office.
  • Creating a citizen police oversight committee.
  • Allowing financially strapped homeowners to pay property taxes in more than two installments each year.
  • Permitting homeowners who have had their homes foreclosed to keep surplus revenue from the city’s sale of their property.
  • Eliminating or revamping city commissions that haven’t met in years.
  • Making it easier for residents to join boards and commissions and get properly trained when they’re appointed.
  • Giving the city comptroller more control over the annual budget.
  • Solving the mayoral succession issue that left South District Councilmember Christopher Scanlon’s seat open while he served as acting mayor.
  • Allowing the mayor to create ad-hoc task forces to study certain issues.
  • Holding charter revisions every decade.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite the progress, the commission faces challenges and concerns from various stakeholders. Deputy Mayor Maria Whyte, appointed by Mayor Sean Ryan, expressed reservations about the readiness of some proposals. She emphasized the need for more public comment and discussion, particularly on electoral reforms.

Whyte argued that the commission should hold public hearings in each common council district to gauge residents’ interest and understanding of the proposed changes. She also highlighted the importance of transparency and ensuring that the public has the opportunity to review the language of the proposed reforms before they are put to a vote.

Time Constraints and Next Steps

The commission is aware of the time constraints it faces. In New York, all laws and charter changes that affect voting or elections must be reviewed by the state attorney general’s office, a process that takes up to 60 days. With the Erie County Board of Elections set to begin printing ballots in mid-September ahead of the Nov. 6 election, the commission must submit its ballot measures and charter changes to the attorney general by early July.

The commission intends to issue final approvals on electoral reforms by its June 24 meeting. It has meetings scheduled for June 18 and 22 to finalize the draft language and address any outstanding issues. Commissioner Peter Reese emphasized the need to move forward efficiently, stating, “Do you want to get anything done or not?”

Chairman Lawrence Rubin and Commissioner Joseph Trapp expressed confidence in the drafting process, asserting that the proposed changes are not overly complicated. They believe that the commission can complete the necessary work in a timely manner, ensuring that the reforms are ready for the November referendum.

The commission’s efforts reflect a broader commitment to improving governance and ensuring that Buffalo’s charter remains relevant and effective. As the city moves forward with these proposed changes, the focus will be on engaging the public and ensuring that the reforms are thoroughly vetted and supported by the community.