02/26/2024 CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE Minutes

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*CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES Monday, February 26, 2024* 2 Final approval of preamble Cathy Lewis redrafted version 1 of the proposed preamble for the Committee to review. Version 1 We,the people of the Town of Mashpee, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in recognition of the rich historical tapestry that has interwoven the Town of Mashpee into the community it is today and in order to assure the effectiveness of Town government, facilitate the delivery of services, maintain our high quality of life, prepare for future growth, and encourage public participation in municipal affairs, all in accord with the Home Rule Amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth, do ordain and amend this Home Rule Charter for the Town of Mashpee.As we embark on this amendment to our Charter,we do so with the utmost respect for the past and a deep sense of responsibility towards an equitable future. We pay tribute to the resilience of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and all those who have called this land home throughout the ages. Through this preamble, we reaffirm the Town of Mashpee's commitment to preserving the cultural, historical,and sovereign essence of this unique community.We pledge to work collaboratively, ensuring that the voices of all residents, including the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and its members, are heard and respected in shaping the destiny of our beloved Town of Mashpee. EDITED VERSION: We,the people of the Town of Mashpee, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in recognition of the rich historical tapestry that has interwoven the Town of Mashpee into the community it is today and in order to assure the effectiveness of Town government, facilitate the delivery of services, maintain our high quality of life, preserve and protect our environment, prepare for future growth, and encourage public participation in municipal affairs, all in accord with the Home Rule Amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth, do ordain and amend this Home Rule Charter for the Town of Mashpee.As we embark on this amendment to our Charter, we do so with the utmost respect for the past and deep sense of responsibility toward an equitable future.We pay tribute to the resilience of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and all those who have called this land home throughout the ages.Through this preamble,we affirm the Town of Mashpee's commitment to preserving the cultural, historical, and sovereign essence of our unique community. As we look to the future, we pledge to uphold the principles of inclusivity, and respect ensuring that the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's voice, and the voice of all residents, is integral to collaborative governance. The Committee discussed the edited version. Greg McKelvey asked the meaning of the phrase "As we embark on this amendment to our Charter, we do so with the utmost respect for the past and deep sense of responsibility toward an equitable future." Cathy Lewis said it meant a community that is equitable for all, it's not singling one group out from another.