Positive change for New London

Rob Pero's political instincts are correct when he warns that the failure to include some type of recall provision in the charter could dissuade some New London voters from approving a new mayor-led form of government. But the reality is that no Connecticut municipality has the power to remove elected officials for misconduct - mayors, first selectmen, school board members, right on down the line - even though some town charters include such a proposal.

State law does, however, state that no citizen "upon conviction of a felony … may hold public office."

The possibility that New London could one day elect a corrupt mayor is perhaps the greatest fear some have of converting from the city manager form of government. Certainly, Connecticut has seen too many crooked mayors. But though these unscrupulous chief elected leaders grab the headlines, the vast majority of mayors serve with integrity.

Mr. Pero is currently New London mayor, a largely ceremonial position with little authority. The seven-member council selects a councilor annually to carry the mayor title. Chief executive duties, the power to appoint and oversee department heads, negotiate and sign contracts and administer government reside with the city manager hired by the council.

On Monday the council voted 5-1 to place a question on the Nov. 2 ballot on whether to change the charter to make the mayor, elected to a four-year term, the chief executive. The Day has long advocated such a change as the best way to provide the focused leadership necessary to move the city forward.

Mr. Pero was one of two councilors who voted to adopt the Charter Revision Commission's recommendation that the charter changes include recall language for corrupt behavior. While this may have reassured some voters, it would have been an empty gesture.

It is settled law in Connecticut that as a creation of the state, a municipality has no inherent powers, only those granted under state law. And state law reads: "No provision … shall be deemed to empower any municipality to …. adopt a charter … which shall affect matters concerning … corrupt practices."

The Connecticut Supreme Court has ruled that means a municipality cannot bounce an elected official from office, but neither can a convicted felon continue to serve.

Fear of what might happen some day is not reason enough to block a positive change in New London governance. We remain convinced that switching to a mayor-led government is the city's best option.