The Charter
Let’s Keep the Charter Commission Focused on What It’s Meant to Do
By Ben Christly
Every five years, Clark County voters elect fifteen people, three from each of the five districts, to serve on the Charter Review Commission. This group is tasked with taking a hard look at our county’s foundational document, the Home Rule Charter. Think of it as our local government’s operating manual.
Now, let’s be clear about what this Commission does and does not do.
The Charter Review Commission doesn’t pass laws. It doesn’t set tax rates, fix roads, or hire sheriff’s deputies. And it certainly doesn’t exist to push anyone’s political agenda. Its job is to review the Charter, reflect on how it’s working, and, if needed, recommend changes, which ultimately must be approved by Clark County voters.
Lately, there’s been a lot of noise trying to paint this Commission as some kind of partisan battleground. But that’s not what this role is about. At its core, it’s about listening to everyone in the community. That means small business owners, county employees, public officials, retirees, and yes, people who may not share your political views. Everyone deserves a seat at the table.
Commissioners read the Charter line by line, asking: Is this still working? Does this serve the people of Clark County today? If something seems outdated or unbalanced, they consider whether to propose an amendment and only then does it go to the voters. Commissioners can’t change the Charter on their own. They are gatekeepers, not locksmiths.
It’s also important to understand what the Charter itself governs. It sets the framework for how county government is structured; like the number of councilors, how vacancies are filled, and what powers different officials hold. But it doesn’t set budgets or decide policy questions like how many deputies should be on the force or whether to build a new fire station. Those are decisions for the County Council, not the Charter Commission.
Having strong opinions about local government is fine. But when you’re on the Charter Review Commission, the job isn’t to advocate for your personal platform. It’s to act as a steward of the process. That means focusing on the structure, not the politics and making sure any proposed amendments are clear, balanced, and in the public interest.
This isn’t flashy work. It’s detailed. It takes time, patience, and humility. But when done right, it keeps the foundation of our local government strong and responsive. And that’s something worth protecting.