"Tonight, the New York City Charter Revision Commission will hear from a panel of five distinguished former chairs of prior commissions:  Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch, Frederick A.O. Schwarz, Jr., Randy M. Mastro, Frank J. Macchiarola, and Ester R. Fuchs.  For the first time, a current Commission will receive direct testimony reflecting over twenty years of modern Charter analysis covering the period from 1988 to 2005.  On behalf of the Commission, we are deeply grateful that their views and insights will be part of the public record, which will very much help to inform our deliberations as we move forward in a comprehensive and timely review of the City Charter.

"After tonight, the next phase of the Commission's work will include a series of issue forums, also open to the public, focusing on term limits, voter participation, government structure, public integrity, and land use.  Expert panels will be featured, held in each of the five boroughs.  Details are available at www.nyc.gov/charter."