Proposal would raise required signature number from 20 to 350
At its March 9 meeting, the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) will vote on a proposed amendment to the Town Charter that would increase the number of signatures that residents need to have an issue officially considered.
The Town Charter is Greenwich’s foundational governing document — essentially our local constitution. The RTM is the town’s legislative body, made up of 230 representatives from 12 districts, with seats allocated based on the number of registered voters.
Since its founding in 1933, the RTM has been required to consider a proposal from any group of 20 registered Greenwich voters who submit a petition. The amendment, approved by the Board of Selectmen (BOS) on Feb. 12, would raise that number to 350 signatures — roughly 1% of voters.
Supporters say change is needed
Supporters argue that 20 signatures may be too low for a proposal that could become a new ordinance for a town of more than 60,000 residents. Resident-initiated petitions have increased in recent years, and some have required review by committees and town officials before being withdrawn, postponed indefinitely, or found not to be in legal order.
Important town changes such as the part-year gas leaf blower ban began as a petition. But many more recent examples were withdrawn, postponed, or rejected. These include petitions to restore a police presence on Greenwich Avenue, adopt an explosives ordinance, amend the noise ordinance, and extend “dog season” at town parks and beaches.
Supporters say this record suggests the current threshold may be too low.
Others urge caution
Others argue the system is working as intended. Proposals are reviewed, debated, and adopted or declined. They believe raising the requirement nearly 18-fold could discourage grassroots participation. Although, it should be noted that if a resident cannot meet a signature threshold, they may still appeal to the BOS or an individual RTM district or RTM committee to advance their cause.
RTM members are not limited to voting on 20 or 350 signatures; they could amend the proposal and choose another number if they believe a different balance is appropriate.
Striking a balance
Greenwich has long prided itself on civic participation, reflected in the size and structure of the RTM itself. As members consider this proposal, they are weighing two values: maintaining broad access for residents to bring forward ideas, and ensuring that proposals demonstrate substantial community support before undergoing formal review. The decision ultimately comes down to where that balance should lie.
Have your say
Residents who wish to share their views can email all 230 RTM members through the town website. Additionally, people can sign up to speak (deadline March 9 at 12 noon) at the RTM meeting to be held Monday, March 9 at 8 p.m., at Central Middle School and accessible via Zoom.
Calling for delegates at upcoming conventions
Important Connecticut state elections are coming up this November. But months earlier – in May – Democratic delegates at a series of conventions will choose candidates to receive the party’s endorsement.
So, who are these delegates? They’re Connecticut residents who are registered Democrats and live in the district they wish to represent.
You are invited to become a delegate at one or more of the upcoming Democratic conventions. (See chart below for dates and places.)
How to be a delegate
Being a delegate is neither demanding nor time-consuming. And the benefits are many: You’ll learn how candidates are selected, meet your party peers and, ultimately, become more involved and energized in the Democratic mission.
The first step to becoming a delegate is to simply click hereand let us know that you’re interested. Be sure to write: “Delegate” in the subject line.
After we receive your message, we’ll send a brief form for you to complete. Once you return it, we’ll place your name in nomination. Then, on March 25, the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee will vote on the nominees.
We encourage any registered Democrat who wants to play a part, to sign up. The conventions are a great way to meet other like-minded Democrats and make new friends.
Come join us!
What we’re reading
Connecticut’s congressional delegation condemns the recent attack on Iran. U.S. Representative Jim Himes, ranking member on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, called the action, “a war of choice with no strategic endgame.” U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthalpointed out that “…President Trump has failed to explain to the American people his objectives, end game, or exit strategy — risking another forever war. This attack fits a pattern of unilateral action without accountability to the American people.”
Action Calendar
March. Enroll.
The new Central Middle School is continuing open enrollmentfor 6th, 7th and 8th graders who live in households zoned for Eastern and Western Middle Schools. Open enrollment closes Friday, April 3, at midnight.
March 6. Engage.
Join Selectwoman Rachel Khanna for coffee and conversation at Coffee for Good. Hear about what’s happening in town and bring your feedback and questions. 1 p.m., 48 Maple Ave.
March 11. Prepare.
Join Selectwoman Rachel Khanna to find out from CT Comptroller Sean Scanlon what Connecticut can do to prepare for changes to Medicare and Medicaid. Mazza Room (first floor), Greenwich Town Hall, 11 a.m., 101 Field Point Road.
Talk with Representative Jim Himes in the Christ Church Parish Hall, 254 East Putnam Avenue after he addresses whether the U.S. is “More or Less Secure in 2026.” 6:30 p.m. Registration required to attend in person. Find the live stream here.
March 12. Comment.
Review the draft Safety Action Plan, learn about the proposed priority safety project list, and share feedback that will help shape better roadway safety in town at the next public meeting for Safe Streets Greenwich, hosted by the Department of Public Works. 6 p.m., Cone Room, Greenwich Town Hall, 101 Field Point Road.
March 22. Parade.
March with the Democrats in the Greenwich Avenue St. Patrick’s Parade. Gather before the parade at 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot at Town Hall, 101 Field Point Road. Look for our banner.
| Volume 4, Number 36 • March 5, 2026 |
| Paid for by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. |
| Greenwich Democratic Town Committee P.O. Box 126 Greenwich, CT 06836 |