Town of Oakland, Maine: Town Charter Review Citizen Survey

Dear Oakland Resident,

The Town of Oakland Charter was last reviewed in 2004.  This document serves as the community’s foundational governing document. It establishes our manager–council form of government, defines the roles of elected officials and boards, and outlines how key decisions are made.

The Town Council is asking for citizen input of the Charter to ensure it remains clear, effective, transparent, and aligns the current best practices recommended by the Maine Municipal Association (MMA).

This short survey (approximately 5–7 minutes) is designed to gather resident input on what is working well and what may need clarification or modernization. Your feedback will help guide whether changes are recommended and, if so, what areas should be prioritized.

All responses are anonymous and will be summarized for the Town Council.

Thank you for helping shape Oakland’s future.

Sincerely,
Kelly Pinney-Michaud

Town Manager
Town of Oakland, Maine

Survey Instructions

  • Read the Town Charter
  • Required questions are marked with an asterisk (*)
  • Unless noted, please select one response per question

Section 1: About You

1. Your relationship to Oakland (select all that apply)*
1. Your relationship to Oakland (select all that apply)*
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2. Length of connection to Oakland*
2. Length of connection to Oakland*
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Section 2: Understanding the Town Charter

3. Before this survey, how familiar were you with Oakland’s Town Charter?*
3. Before this survey, how familiar were you with Oakland’s Town Charter?*
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4. How clear and understandable is the Charter overall?*
4. How clear and understandable is the Charter overall?*
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Please skip to Question 5

Section 3: Manager–Council Form of Government

5. Oakland operates under a Town Manager–Town Council form of government. Overall, how well is this working?*
5. Oakland operates under a Town Manager–Town Council form of government. Overall, how well is this working?*
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*6. The Charter clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of the following: **

Town Council
Town Council
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Town Manager
Town Manager
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Boards & Committees
Boards & Committees
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Section 4: Elections, Terms, and Representation

7. How satisfied are you with the Charter’s provisions for elections and terms of office (length of terms, vacancies, election timing)?*
7. How satisfied are you with the Charter’s provisions for elections and terms of office (length of terms, vacancies, election timing)?*
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8. Do you believe the Charter provides fair and effective representation for Oakland residents?*
8. Do you believe the Charter provides fair and effective representation for Oakland residents?*
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Please skip to question 10

Section 5: Boards, Committees, and Citizen Participation
10. The Charter provides appropriate guidance for the creation and operation of boards and committees (appointments, authority, accountability).*
10. The Charter provides appropriate guidance for the creation and operation of boards and committees (appointments, authority, accountability).*
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*11. The Charter supports meaningful public participation and transparency in town decision-making. **
<i>*11. The Charter supports meaningful public participation and transparency in town decision-making. **</i>
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Section 6: Financial Oversight and Administration

*12. The Charter provides adequate guidance for budgeting, financial oversight, and fiscal responsibility. **
<i>*12. The Charter provides adequate guidance for budgeting, financial oversight, and fiscal responsibility. **</i>
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(Aligned with MMA best practices emphasizing fiscal clarity and separation of policy and administration)

Section 7: Modernization and Priorities

*13. Overall, the Town Charter is: **
<i>*13. Overall, the Town Charter is: **</i>
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*14. Which areas should be the highest priorities for review or amendment?

Number 1-6 (1 being low priority, 6 being high priority)

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Section 8: Final Comments

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Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. Your input will directly inform the Town Council and, if applicable, proposed amendments to review the current Charter.

For more information on the Charter Review process, please contact the Town Office.