Pasco citizens chose the current Council-Manager form of government in 1964, realizing the need for a qualified professional manager with knowledge of budgeting, labor-management, planning, and economic development as opposed to a politician with limited or no city management skills. The City Council selects the City Manager and evaluates his/her performance. The current format assures immediate accountability because the manager can be fired for failing to do a good job - no waiting four years for an election. Council-manager government encourages input into the political process, diffuses the power of special interests, and eliminates partisan politics from municipal hiring, firing, and contracting decisions. It provides direct public access to the Mayor and Council by allowing the community to voice their concerns directly through elected Council members, not through staff. It frees up the elected body to establish policy to be carried out by the manager and staff. The proposed Council-Mayor form of government dilutes elected council member representation of their constituents by giving the Mayor veto power over ordinances passed by the majority of council members. One elected official should not be granted control over the majority. Proponents of changing Pasco’s form of government are advancing a plan to “fix a system that isn’t broken”. The complex operations of a city require professionalism, experience and responsiveness. Pasco has thrived with accountable, effective and efficient city government for nearly 50 years; let’s keep it that way. Vote no on Proposition 2, Change of Form of Government.
Posted on: Thu, 19 Sep 2013 16:05:57 +0000
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