RICHMOND – Rather than adhere strictly to state rules for county governance, Clay County could operate with greater independence under a “charter,” something voters agreed in June to consider. The proposed charter could be available for public viewing as early as next week. Although nearly 57% of voters said yes to Proposition C, they agreed only to consider, not to approve, a charter. Granting consideration meant only that a group comprised of seven court-appointed Democrats and seven Republicans could create a document suggesting how the county might operate. For example, state law limits the Clay County Commission to three members for a county with nearly 250,000 residents – more than 80,000 people per commissioner. In contrast, the Missouri House has 163 members or one for every 37,400 state residents. The charter group could increase commission membership to provide a greater degree of represenation for the public. Among many other possible changes the group could make is to…