Greater Stamford Young Democrats Statement on City of Stamford’s Charter Revision Process
Monday, July 3, 2023
GREATER STAMFORD YOUNG DEMOCRATS STATEMENT ON CITY OF STAMFORD’S CHARTER REVISION PROCESS
Young Civic Leaders and Stamford Residents Comment on Commission's Proposed Changes and Public Hearings
STAMFORD, CT — In response to recent developments regarding the City of Stamford’s Charter Revision Commission and the ongoing review process, the Greater Stamford Young Democrats released the following statements from the organization’s president and executive vice president.
“While we appreciate the numerous hours that members spent on meetings and other work involved, many of the Charter Revision Commission’s proposals clearly are not in the best interest of all Stamford residents. The commission’s membership was hand-picked by certain Board of Representatives leadership and stacked with a blatant bias toward landowners and only one member under the age of 45 years old. We as a city are better than that and it shows just how one-sided their whole process has been from the start,” said GSYD President Brett Hillsberg. “We have heard so much about people's rights being taken away. Yet, as a renter, I have never felt less represented by my city government. We are afterthoughts in these proposed changes. I have been working here for nine years and a proud resident for half a decade. Since then, the city has grown and changed so much for the better. I’d like to see it continue to grow and change with me in it.“
“As a Stamford native, I have seen firsthand the progress that our city has made in my lifetime. However, a lot of the Charter Revision Commission’s drastic proposed changes to the Charter would mean nothing but a big step backwards for the city and its residents including young professionals interested in calling Stamford home. With that said, we are grateful that Mayor Caroline Simmons stepped up for all residents and collaborated with state partners to ensure that the city’s economic prosperity continues in the months and years ahead,” said GSYD Executive Vice President Alisson Meza. “With so many businesses bringing their headquarters (and workers) to Stamford in addition to historic state and federal funding appropriated for important city projects, this is not the time to mess up what has been accomplished for the selfish political and personal aspirations of select Board of Representative members. We strongly encourage all Stamford residents young and old alike to speak up against these harmful proposed charter changes now — before it’s too late.“
About GSYD
Established in February 2023, the Greater Stamford Young Democrats aim to engage, empower, and elect young citizens in the Greater Stamford area, including Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, and Stamford. To learn more, visit linktr.ee/gsydems.
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CONTACT: comms@gsydems.com
