As a descendant of revolutionary patriots, I'm drawing inspiration from my colonial ancestors as I consider the proposed Home Rule Charter. Throughout history whenever average people have tried to claim their rights and take control of their government, there have been those nay-sayers who have argued that the time wasn't right and that the people weren't "ready," or weren't "mature" enough to be trusted with such power.

What if our founding fathers had waited until our fledgling democracy was "mature" enough to write our own constitution which created a government by and for the people? There were those who argued that the states should wait and recover from the war with Britain before deciding upon a new form of government. But the founders wisely proceeded without delay, committed to the ideals of independence, democracy and self-determination for our new republic.

Later, women and people of color were told repeatedly that they must wait for the right to full participation in our democracy. Those who thought they knew better declared that the time wasn't right. Eventually, women and people of color decided to stop waiting for the time to be right and peacefully stood up for themselves, no longer asking, but demanding the full rights of citizenship.

We find ourselves at an important crossroads. We have the opportunity to approve a Home Rule Charter, written by 21 citizens in an open and thorough process. Embracing Home Rule is a declaration that we, the citizens of Centennial, will no longer wait for the authority to craft our own governmental structure, one that meets our needs. We will no longer allow our city to be hamstrung by the state government's restrictions on our city's ability to meet our needs. And, yes, we are mature enough to choose good leaders who'll represent our desire for efficient government.

I encourage all Centennial citizens to read the proposed charter. Go to www.homerule2008.com and learn all the reasons this is the right Charter at the right time. And then by June 10, 2008, cast your vote to make Centennial your city governed by your rules.

Sincerely,


Rebecca McClellan
Councilmember, Ward III
Centennial Mayor Pro Tem