The establishment of South Windsor’s United Community Party was to concentrate on Community Above All! We believe giving an option to voters other than the two national parties is prudent. We want to focus on the community – not politics.
We have confidence in supporting a “less political” South Windsor Town Council, by encouraging a more cooperative government for the residents. To foster this type of format, it is critical to remove the possibility of a “Super Majority” which represents 6 of the 9 councilors to be of the same party. Since many votes simply require a “Super Majority” it is easier for political parties to operate without Minority Councilors’ input and possibly bring forth their own agenda.
We want to highlight Section 204 – Terms of office and minority representation.
What the Charter says in Paragraph #1? “No political party shall nominate and no elector shall vote for more than six members of the Town Council….” This allows for a “Super Majority” (6 of the 9 councilors) to be of the same party, therefore influencing power.
What is recommended by the Charter Review Commission? “No political party shall nominate, and no elector shall vote for more than five members of the Town Council, at no time will there be more than a bare majority of any one political party on the Town Council.” Bare majority is 5 of the 9 members being of the same party.
Why we support this? We believe the amount of political influence and power should be kept to a minimum. This encourages various parties to work in a more collaborative manner. Less political authority of one party will allow seated minority parties to be heard, without a super-majority imposing their own political agenda. This should serve to strengthen our local government by modeling courteous, respectful and cooperative discussions amongst Councilors.
You can view the entire Town Charter at:
https://www.southwindsor-ct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif8416/f/uploads/doc040325_0.pdf
A little navigation help:
See page 1 – 2 Make-up of the Commission and their meetings
See page 8 – 15 Detailed worksheet with the list of items reviewed and final decisions
See page 16 – 17 Resolution establishing the Commission
See page 18 – 22 Budget Referendum research
See page 54 – 80 Final Copy of Commission’s changes (noted in red) dated 3/25/25