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A New Course for the Future

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Social media has been flooded with this tired trope by those who oppose the referendum to adopt a proposed Charter for Chester. Out of Connecticut’s 169 municipalities, Chester is one of about 50 municipalities still operating under the default government of “state statutes, “limiting opportunities to improve town governance. In 2024, there is little cause for Chester to remain anchored to the vestiges of its past rather than charting its course for the future. \

While still maintaining its traditional selectmen-town meeting form of government, an important feature of the proposed Charter includes expanding the elected Board of Selectmen from three to five members and allowing for greater minority representation.

Another recommendation includes hiring a town administrator to bring expertise to certain public administration areas, including budget development, performance evaluation, grant administration, program review, insurance, risk management, and purchasing. This position will ensure that Chester remains nimble in the face of increasingly complex decision-making. Replacing the current, top-heavy nine-member Board of Finance with a proposed elected five-member Financial Accountability Board, with similar duties and responsibilities, will also streamline financial decision-making.

On Nov. 5, Chester voters will have an important decision to make. Will Chester remain an outlier, skewing its chances for greater success? Or will Chester embrace a new course for the future?

Lorraine Connelly

Chester