Town manager idea controversial

BROOKFIELD -- Fear of losing their direct say over who leads their government and a fear of jeopardizing local democracy became a rallying cry for residents who oppose revising the charter in favor of a town manager/selectmen form of government.

At Thursday's Charter Revision Commission public hearing, views were split on the panel's proposals.

The key item, though, was whether to expand the Board of Selectmen from three to five volunteer members and have them hire a professional town manager to oversee daily operations and implement policies.

Zoning Commission member Matt Grimes said he believes the proposed revisions, which suggest maintaining the current town meeting form of government yet would not allow voters to elect their executive leader, are an "oxymoron."

Voters now decide when it's time for "new blood," he said, and that encourages people to remain engaged in civic affairs.

In towns with professional managers, Grimes said, voter participation is significantly lower.

Charter Revision Commission member Dottie Miles introduced Mansfield Town Manager Matt Hart and praised his role in guiding a $220 million private/public partnership that is creating a mixed-use commercial center for Mansfield.

Miles said someone of Hart's caliber is just what Brookfield needs, particularly as it prepares to create a new town center in the Four Corners district.

The panel found a town manager's salary ranges from $95,000 to $150,000.

A professional town manager is a nonpartisan position, much like a school superintendent.

Communities can tailor these positions to fit their needs, Hart said. A town's decision about its form of government "has to be what you want and what will work for you," he said.

First Selectman Bill Davidson said he favors professional management because "this is a complex business we run." He said he is regularly "dazzled" by what he does not have the expertise to do but must find a way to accomplish.

"We need professional management to move the town forward," Davidson said.