Are you interested in being a part of history for the City of Bradford?

City residents who are registered voters are being sought to run for the Government Study Commission tasked with evaluating whether home rule would be a good fit for the city’s government.

On Friday, City Administrator Eric Taylor sent out a press release on behalf of city council asking interested residents to run in the November election for the chance to serve on the commission. The commission would “examine the city’s current form of local government and evaluate potential alternatives that may better serve the needs of the community,” the release stated.

“The creation of the Government Study Commission reflects the city’s commitment to open governance, citizen engagement and continuous improvement in how local government operates.”

According to city officials, the commission will be responsible for the following: Studying the current structure and operations of Bradford’s municipal government; researching optional forms of government permitted under Pennsylvania law; considering whether the city would benefit from a home rule charter; engaging the public through meetings; recommending whether a change to home rule charter should be pursued.

Taylor explained how interested persons would go about the process of running for the commission. One must be a registered voter in the City of Bradford to run.

“Interested candidates may pick up packets and additional paperwork at the McKean County Elections office,” he said, adding it is located at the county courthouse, 500 W. Main St., Smethport.

“There is no set party make-up for the commission,” Taylor said. “In fact, the nomination papers do not carry any political party designation, meaning anyone interested can get signatures from members from any party as long as they are registered to vote in the city.”

Petitions may be circulated and signed between Aug. 5 and 26, and must obtain the signatures of 40 registered voters. Petitions must be turned in to the elections office by 4 p.m. Aug. 26.

For voters in Bradford in November, there will be a question on the ballot — “Shall a Government Study Commission of seven members be elected to study the existing form of government of the City of Bradford, to consider the advisability of the adoption of a home rule charter, and if advisable, to draft and recommend a home rule charter?”

Should the resolution be approved, the commission will move forward. Should the resolution be denied, the matter dies out and cannot be raised again for a period of five years, and none of the candidates for the commission are considered elected.

Should it pass, the commission will operate independently of the city council and will have full authority to study the structure of Bradford’s municipal government. Should the commission recommend a new form of government, such a proposal would be subject to a public referendum.

For additional questions, contact Taylor at e.taylor@bradfordpa.com.