Clark County Charter Review Commission explains amendment process, invites public comment

The Clark County Charter Review Commission described its role and how residents can take part in shaping the county charter.

"I'm Dorothy Ghesquay. I represent District 4 on the Charter Review Commission," said Dorothy Ghesquay, a commission member, who opened the meeting by explaining the group's authority to review the charter and propose amendments. She said proposed changes "goes to the ballot, and the voters get to decide" whether a change is adopted.

Brandon Erickson, who identified himself as chair of the commission and a representative of District 2, said the panel has reviewed its bylaws and adopted "a very deliberate, transparent, methodical process" for deciding which amendments to present to the public. "We have reviewed our bylaws in detail," Erickson said, adding that the commission will present selected amendments for public review and consideration.

Why it matters: Commissioners said charter amendments can reshape how county government works. Ghesquay cited past changes the commission helped enact as examples: making county offices nonpartisan and adding a fifth district. "Those kind of were really big changes that kinda shape the way the county government works," she said.

How to engage: Ghesquay outlined several ways residents can participate: contact individual charter review representatives (their emails are posted on the commission website), submit written comments that the commission will read aloud, or attend the commission's regular meetings on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. A staff member directed listeners to the county website for more information.

Next steps: Commissioners reiterated that any amendments the commission approves to place before the public will appear on the ballot, where voters will decide whether the proposed changes become part of the Clark County charter. The commission did not take any formal votes during this recorded discussion.