There is a sense in this community that Portland is missing something.

Opportunities vanish because the city government is too slow to respond. Elected officials seem too busy fighting among themselves to work together for the good of the city as a whole.

As a result, an idea that only 10 years ago was soundly rejected at the polls -- changing to an elected-mayor form of government -- now has real currency.

It was enough to drive putting the creation of a charter review commission on last November's ballot, and enough to attract a strong majority from voters.

But Portland's Charter Commission should not be just about installing an elected mayor. Or about settling scores or refighting the battles that have played out recently over the Maine State Pier, the closure of Nathan Clifford School or past power struggles between the City Council and School Committee.

It is an opportunity to examine the city's governing structure to see if it can be brought up to date so Portland can better respond to the challenges ahead. Commission members should be knowledgeable about both the strengths and weaknesses of the current system, as well as be able to come up with ideas about how to make things better. Commission members should also be thoughtful and cooperative, able to work through a very complex problem in a collegial way. And they should represent a variety of key constituencies.

Three members of the 12-member commission have already been selected by the City Council.

The other nine will be chosen by the voters June 9, using the same districts as city councilors.

Voters will be faced with a ballot filled with the names of qualified candidates.

Here are our selections:

At Large (vote for four)

In a field of eight strong candidates, we endorse James Cohen, James Gooch, Nathan Smith and Anna Trevorrow.

Cohen is a familiar name in local politics, stepping down from the council last year after serving for two three- year terms. His wife, Joan Cohen, was elected last year as a Democrat to represent parts of Portland and Falmouth in the Legislature.

Like several candidates, Cohen puts his finger on the right problem with Portland's form of government. In an era of instant communications, the city is not structured to be decisive. Power is delegated to groups and there is a lack of both individual leadership and accountability.

Cohen has the political and personal skills to work toward a solution. Even though he has just left the council, he does not carry many scars from its most bitter struggles. He's a mediator by profession, and someone we think could be a natural leader for this process.

Gooch is a first-time candidate who nevertheless would bring a wealth of experience to the charter change process.

As a lawyer who specializes in municipal law, he understands the outcomes of even small changes to a governing document. Through his work with the Trust for Public Lands, he also understands the need for a more nimble city government to take advantage of narrow windows of opportunity when they present themselves.

Gooch shares his knowledge in an engaging way that moves the conversation forward without dominating it. He would be an asset to the commission.

Smith, who like Cohen is a lawyer, former city councilor and mayor, would bring experience in how city government works from the inside.

Smith is a cofounder of Portland Trails, the urban land trust that has developed a trail network that continues to expand. He is also active in other key civic institutions, including the Portland Public Library board of trustees, which gives him experience working with city government from the outside as well.

As Smith sees it, elected officials are not held accountable for failing "to move the ball" on important issues under the...