According to the panelists at last night’s Citizens Union and Baruch College co-sponsored “Charting New York City’s Future: Charter Revision 2010” panel discussion, the answer is yes. In fact, they think he will appoint a commission within the next few months. The panelists (Dick Fiala, Richmond County Clerk; Ester Fuchs, Columbia University; Eric Lane, Professor of Law at Hofstra University; and, William C. Thompson, Former NYC Comptroller) discussed the effectiveness of past commissions, the likely agenda and makeup of a Mayor Bloomberg commission, and why it is important for the public to get involved in the discussion.

A mayoral charter revision commission is a committee of up to 15 individuals appointed by the mayor. Its main task is to review the entire City Charter (the principal document defining New York City’s “political and procedural framework”), but the mayor may direct it to focus on specific issues. Once appointed, the commission must review the Charter, hold hearings to solicit public input, decide whether to propose revisions, and then place its revision proposals on the general election ballot.

The panel identified 5 potential agenda items:
1.    examination of the office of borough presidents
2.    examination of the office of public advocate
3.    examination of community boards
4.    land use
5.    term limits

There was a general consensus that the power of the borough presidents should be expanded to include a budget and advising on land use approvals. The office of public advocate should be kept, appropriately funded and given subpoena powers. Mr. Fiala feels that the public advocate debate is not as important as other issues. “Just fund the damn thing,” he said.  

The charter revision commission will be “a huge undertaking,” said the moderator, Doug Muzzio of Baruch College. He feels the commission should cast a wide net to get people involved, but only focus on a few key items. Mr. Fiala feels that the commission should also focus on some of the ‘non-sexy operational items” such as the budgeting process. Panelists said that the Mayor should pick individuals that are:
1.    independent
2.    of stature
3.    diverse and representative
4.    able to engage and mediate the public

Their advice to the public is to “show up!” “Those who show up make the decision, that’s how democracy works,” said Mr. Fiala.

You can see videos from the discussion on mylittleo's facebook fan page.