District 4: Steven Scharf

Your Top Three Priorities

1. Modify the charter to allow for an elected mayor
2. None
3. None

Please list prior applicable experience:

-- Citizen of Portland
-- President, Portland Taxpayers Association
-- Have written bylaws (along with others) for several organizations including
-- 2001 Portland Tenants Union
-- 2008 Maine Republican Party Rules Committee, Rules and Bylaws of the party were extensively reviewed and revised
-- 2008 Portland Republican City Committee

What do you hope to accomplish as part of the commission?

Modify the charter to allow for an elected mayor

What do you see as issues within the current structure of city government?

Does not allow for an elected mayor

What are you thoughts on the 1986 charter report? What prior issues would be the most helpful for the current Commission to consider?

I have not read the report thoroughly. I am not looking to history. We need to bring the charter into the 21st century.

What other city charters have you examined? How would it inform your approach to analyzing our city’s charter?

None. I would probably seek out what options are used elsewhere, but until I am elected, it would be presumptuous to delve into the policy.

Would you support an elected mayor? If no, why not?

Yes

What parts of the current city charter do you feel are antiquated?

The part that does not allow for an elected mayor

Would you consider re-districting the City of Portland? Why and how?

Yes I would consider it along with all of the suggestions brought to the table after I am elected.

Would you modify the current relationship between the school committee and city council?

Yes I would consider it along with all of the suggestions brought to the table after I am elected.
What role do you think the charter commission should play to educate the public on changes made to the city charter?  Promotion of our work is the responsibility of the professional staff of the city. I certainly will be available to speak to groups about our recommendations.

What role is the charter commission for public engagement during the process of re-examining the charter?

We should have an extensive engagement process, before during and after.

What else would you like to add?