First two applicants for Charter Review Committee interviewed

Aug 14, 2019

Update: This article has been updated to reflect the fact that no one has yet been appointed to the committee.

The first two applicants have been interviewed for a spot on the Charter Review Committee. 

The Town Charter is a  legal document that outlines the structure of Wareham’s government and outlines the powers and duties of various committees and officials.

Within the charter is a provision that requires the Board of Selectmen to appoint a committee to review the charter and submit recommendations and proposed amendments and revisions to the charter every ten years. The committee is to be formed in each year that ends with a nine, and the committee’s recommendations are to be submitted to the first town meeting in each year ending in zero.

Sandy Slavin and Peter Dunlop, two people with extensive history in town government, were interviewed at the Board of Selectmen’s meeting on Tuesday night.

Peter Dunlop is a current member of the Sewer Commission and formerly served as the chairman of the Council on Aging.

“I want to get into this to discuss the town charter with people,” said Dunlop, who added that while he didn’t have any specific changes that he would like to make to the charter, he was “willing to play devil’s advocate and listen.”

“I know you’re a thinker and I like that,” said Tropeano.

Sandy Slavin, who serves on many boards and commissions in town including the Conservation Commission, the Community Preservation Committee, the Minot Forest Committee, the Affordable Housing Trust, Sewer Commission, Capital Planning Committee, and the Open Space Committee, was also interviewed.

“I do belong to a lot of committees and commissions and boards,” said Slavin. “I believe that I have an insight into the town that is unique because of my involvement in so many organizations and committees.”

Slavin also emphasised the importance of making sure that any charter changes are reflected in the town’s bylaws to avoid conflict and confusion between the documents.

Candidate interviews will continue at the August 27 meeting before appointing the committee in September.