We need a system open to all citizens | Letters | April 17

Published 4:13 pm Thursday, April 16, 2009

In my opinion the island should seriously consider a change to a council-manager form of government.

Many letters have been written and we have had an excellent presentation at the high school on the issue, but there are those who did not attend the meeting or who are still puzzled by why, I believe, the change is needed.

It has become clear to me that a council-manager system would be more democratic. That is to say, more citizens could have a direct say in our island government. We have witnessed that a strong-mayor system can lead to cronyism, plus it gives the mayor more opportunity to manipulate budgets and appointments, especially with a pliable four-three council.

In reviewing city expenditures since 2000 it is evident that some millions have been spent on abandoned projects. The council-manager form of government is based on a sound business model and needs the island’s support.

Change may not solve all our problems, but it could greatly help. Ideally, the public wants to see consensus in decision-making among our governing bodies.

The council is severely split, now so that is unlikely to happen. For example, one council member recently predicted that Winslow Way improvements will leave empty stores, while another stated that construction will not unduly affect businesses!

With the current recession in process, isn’t it time for all the decision-makers to move towards consensus by reducing the scope of work on Winslow Way? They could still agree on existing features which are desirable and could be saved. I can’t believe that using present funding sources would preclude making minor changes in the Winslow Way improvement plans.

Eric Hoyte

Bainbridge Island