We have been receiving a lot of questions; why now, how did this come about? Is this all just sour grapes?
We have been electing our Mayor for 69 years. Our sister town has our same form of government, Yarrow Point. In Washington state, 80% of cities (227) use our form of government (MRSC.org). So why the proposed change now?
Let’s look at who is pushing for this change.
Lisa Slivka is on the “for” Committee and started the petition to change the form of government. She was previously declined a planning commission position with the City. City council voted 4 to 1 for appointing a more experienced person for the planning commission amidst Title 17 land use code being updated over the next couple of years. Agenda Packet Link
Council Member Scott Moore is supporting the change, is on the council and signed the petition to change the form of government. He had a signed contract with the city to remove a hedge that he didn’t comply with. The city took action to enforce the law and compliance. Agenda Packet Link
Council Member Dean Hachamovitch is supporting the change and is on the council. He recently had a battle with the city about a declined gate that would have blocked a long standing turnaround and fire hydrant, which resulted in $7,500 in appeal fees that taxpayers ultimately paid. Agenda Packet Link .
Pam Philips is on the “for” committee and recently had code enforcement action brought against her by the city to remove hedges for safety in the city right of way. Agenda Packet Link
Here’s the truth: There’s no reason the council can’t make code changes under the current form of government. That is their job. They don’t need to change government structure to do it. If the code is poorly written, outdated, or unfair the council is empowered to make changes to the code. They want selective enforcement. This proposed change in government is to give the council more control by replacing the elected mayor with a city manager that only answers to them and that can be hired and fired with majority vote of four council members.
The code should be applied equally. No resident should receive “special privileges” especially council members.
How likely is a city manager that is hired and fired by the council to bring code enforcement action against that very council?
Vote NO on Prop 1 to maintain checks and balances, separation of powers and your right to vote for mayor.