Charter overhaul aims to strengthen accountability and clarify governance for the next decade
After three nights of deliberation and spirited debate, Reading’s Town Meeting voted to approve a series of significant amendments to the Town Charter, marking the most comprehensive update in a decade. The changes, which passed on November 17th, aim to modernize governance language, strengthen due process protections, and raise the threshold for recall petitions.
Key Changes Adopted
- Recall Petition Threshold Raised:
The most contentious change increases the signature requirement for recall petitions from 10% to 20% of registered voters, roughly doubling the effort needed to trigger a recall election. Supporters argued the higher bar will prevent politically motivated recalls and ensure the process is reserved for serious misconduct. Opponents warned it could make accountability “nearly impossible” for residents with limited resources. - Due Process for Board and Committee Removals:
Amendments to Section 8.12 close a loophole that previously allowed removal of appointed members without formal protections when appointment authority was delegated. The revised language guarantees written notice, stated grounds for removal, and a 10-day preparation period before any hearing. - Gender-Neutral Language and Housekeeping Updates:
Articles also included terminology changes, such as replacing “Board of Selectmen” with “Select Board,” and clarifying procedural language throughout the charter.
Debate Highlights
The recall provision dominated discussion across two sessions. Members cited the divisive 2020 recall effort as a cautionary tale. Former Select Board member Vanessa Alvarado shared a personal account during that campaign, calling the experience “an atomic bomb on someone’s life” and urging Town Meeting to raise the threshold.
Others countered that doubling the requirement shifts power away from residents. “Accountability should be accessible to everyone, not just those with extensive networks or resources,” said Precinct 6 member Kerri Perry.
Final Votes
- Article 8 (Due Process Amendments): Passed 101–45 (two-thirds required).
- Article 9 (Recall Threshold and Related Changes): Passed by majority vote.
Next Steps
Approved charter changes will now advance to the state legislature and the voters for final ratification before taking effect.
