Our existing form of government gives almost dictatorial powers to the mayor while the City Council has been hamstrung by a lack of staff and legal counsel. Consequently, administration of the city has become dependent upon the personality and politics of the incumbent mayor.

The current holder of the office has attempted to manage (some say “micromanage”) the city and refused to fill the position of city administrator until she decided one was needed to support the YarrowBay Master Planned Developments.

The existing form of government has allowed an environment of intimidation and division in our city. For example, while the government should encourage patronizing all city businesses, this administration opening discourages going to those businesses who have demonstrated a different opinion.

We have a constitutional right to shop and eat where we want.

We shouldn’t make choices because the owner may have a different political opinion.

The current form of government has no checks and balances. Sometimes, good advice is not followed or is denied because it does not fit the Administration politics. This is wrong. In some cases, citizens have been denied meetings with Ccty employees unless the Mayor is present. Such micromanagement is inappropriate when a professional administrator has been hired.

Opponents of Proposition 1 say you lose your right to vote for mayor. The function of mayor becomes the honorary face of the city. We still vote for the city council, which then selects a professional city manager. The strong mayor form of government calls for a city administrator. We have not had one in many years. It is misleading to say that the city cannot afford a city manager. Where did the funds come from when we had a professional city administrator? The funds for either a city administrator or city manager will still be borne by the city. One or the other must be funded in next year’s budget.

We are facing huge challenges in our future. We deserve to hire the best possible professionals to help us face these challenges honestly. Let’s continue the reform the voters asked for in the last election. Vote to reform City Hall. Vote YES on Proposition 1.

Janie Edelman

Black Diamond