By Colby Hamilton
Special to DNAinfo
MIDTOWN — The sign outside the City University of New York Graduate Center’s Proshansky Auditorium on Fifth Avenue reads, “Occupancy of more than 489 persons is dangerous and unlawful.”
But attendance inside was far short of the legal limit at the first public — and sparsely attended — meeting of the recently created Charter Review Commission on Tuesday night. This is a major problem as the group's aim is to decide what, if any, overhauls to city government should be brought before voters in November.
The commission is responsible for reviewing the New York City charter — the document that in effect serves as the city’s Constitution — and placing suggested changes before New York City voters.
The meeting touched on a number of hot-button issues the commission is likely to consider, including term limits, which were extended before the last election under a one-time bid by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. They also discussed non-partisan elections, in which candidates’ affiliations aren’t listed on the ballot, which voters shot down in 2003.
Elected officials at the meeting criticized the 15-member commission for moving too quickly as it tries to get initiatives on the ballot.
“The commission hearing tonight is so unfortunate,” said Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer. “By any standard this is a pretty lame turnout, considering how important this issue is.”
Stringer urged the commission to wait until next year to move forward with its suggestions so that more public voices could be included in the process.
CUNY Chancellor Matthew Goldstein was appointed chair of the commission. He and his colleagues have until the fall to gather input and advice — both public and private— before deciding which issues to advance.
Assemblyman James Brennan of Brooklyn accused the commission of hiding their true agenda.
“I think they’re interested in operating below the radar screen,” Brennan said. “They’re completely silent on what their real agenda is. They won’t articulate it in public.”
At the hearing, Goldstein announced the appointment of a number of staff members charged with the day-to-day operations, such as research and legal matters.
Most notable was the selection of Lorna Goodman as the commission’s executive director. Goodman served as the Nassau County Attorney from 2002 to 2009, and worked on Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi’s failed 2009 re-election campaign. She begins her new job on April 7.
The next public hearing is scheduled Mon., April 12, at Hostos College in the Bronx.
