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Charter Revision Attrition

By Jeffrey B. Cohen

April 27, 2009

And then there were 11.

As the city's Charter Revision Commission nears its end next month, two members have resigned, bringing the total number of commissioners from 13 to 11. Both Sara Bronin and Yvonne Duncan have stepped down, according to Chairman Richard Wareing.

"I'm sorry to see both of them go," he said. "They were among the most participatory."

Wareing said Bronin is leaving the city; Duncan's notification gave no reason for her resignation.

Wareing conceded that the process hasn't been a short one.

"I have made it long because I wanted everybody to have every chance to say what they wanted to say," Wareing said. "The more democratic and open you want to make it, the longer it takes. I think people are getting a little weary, but that is the price for extreme openness."

The commission has three meetings to go. Wareing says the next meeting will likely take up the thorny issue of mayoral succession.