PREFATORY STATEMENT

With all good faith in the citizens and the future of the Town of Parker, the nine Charter Commission members, elected by the people, have drafted this Home Rule100 Charter in conformity with Article XX of the Constitution of the State of Colorado and the Municipal Home Rule Act of 1971.

The Charter reflects the Commission's philosophy that the Town belongs to the citizens thereof, not the state or federal government, and as such follows the American doctrine where the electors control the government rather than the government dictating to the citizens.

This document defines a Council-Mayor form of government. The Mayor and Council are elected every four (4) years on a rotating basis to ensure continuity of government. The Council is charged with the legislative responsibilities of policy making. The administration of these policies is the duty of the Mayor or Town Administrator. The Mayor presides at Council meetings and is the political leader of the Town.

The democratic techniques of initiative and referendum and recall have been included in the Charter. These provisions provide the means by which the people can, if necessary, directly control the policies of their town government, enact or reject legislation as they see fit, and rid themselves of an elected official who fails to perform his duties properly. In addition, other safeguards have been included in the Charter to prevent abuse of any office in the Town.

As members of the Charter Commission, we viewed our task as one of great responsibility. We have not limited our goals for the town government of Parker to a consideration of the present, but have extensively considered the future needs of the Town and envision continued growth and progress for the Town.

In our effort to submit the best possible Charter to the people of Parker, the Charter Commission has studied the Charters of several other Colorado cities, has invited suggestions and advice from the citizens of Parker, and has employed legal counsel in evolving the final draft of the Charter.

This Charter provides a simple, direct and responsible form of local government. It is respectfully submitted to the citizens of Parker.