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The council–manager form of government is one of the predominant and successful forms of local government in the United States. However, many people in Luzerne County don’t share that same idea.

The first version of the home rule charter was a good attempt at fixing what was broken. Unfortunately, what looked good on paper proved somewhat buggy when implemented. Now, almost five years later, after many lessons learned, it’s time to move forward by sharpening the saw and making the charter even better.

It’s time to take home rule and the charter to the next level by establishing a government study commission aimed at developing “charter version 2.0” that includes greater fiscal accountability, more clarity, progressive policies and less politics.

If Luzerne County Council was proactive, it would take the lead now by placing a question on the November ballot and beginning the process of establishing a new study commission. If council fails to act soon, the citizens will likely exercise their rights by taking advantage of the initiative and referendum provision in the charter, ultimately placing a question on the ballot themselves.

Michael Giamber

Fairmount Township

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