The general framework the Commission will use to review the charter shall consist of a four step process [tentatively] consisting of 12 meetings for each phase culminating on election day May 10th, 2008:

 
Click chevrons to see the meeting calendar

The first phase (Educate) will serve as a fact finding exercise for the Commission  and the Town to help clarify general principles (e.g. what is the Home Rule Amendment) and vocabulary (e.g. what does "transparency in government" really mean), invite local officials to discuss current challenges in town and guest speakers to explore other forms of government - and listen to the public to hear their concerns.

The second phase (Diagnose) will dissect the current charter to determine what is working and what's not.  Recommendations will be proposed, avoiding the language of current government "templates" - i.e., Selectmen-Town Meeting, Mayor-Council - rather discussing them in operational terms - number of people involved, qualifications, roles and responsibilities, checks and balances, reporting requirements, etc. 

As a matter of practicality, these ideas will be mapped to State statutes that dictate required elements - i.e., executive and legislative functions, planning, administration, education, taxing and other capabilities.

The third phase (Design) will be dedicated to drafting the new, proposed charter within a legal framework acceptable to the State.

The final phase (Promote) will take the proposed charter out into the community for a series of meetings, media broadcasts, and public outreach to ensure the voters understand the proposal in anticipation of the May 10, 2008 election.