Vote yes on Proposition No. 2 | Letter

Published 5:18 pm Tuesday, October 2, 2012

In a recent letter to the editor the case was made to reject Proposition No 2. In this letter it was suggested: “As the largest employer in the county responsible for the management of a budget in excess of $45 million consistent leadership is essential to deliver high quality services. This can be best achieved by the appointment of a quality county administrator who understands our community’s needs and is held accountable by the council.”

The above argument is exactly why the CRC is recommending the changes in Proposition No 2 and why you should vote yes for these changes. Proposition 2 gives the council authority to appoint (hire) a qualified county manager (administrator) who understands our community’s needs and is held accountable by the council and therefore to the people.

The current charter does not hold the administrator accountable to the council or to the people.

The changes to the charter proposed by the CRC in Proposition No. 2 gives complete latitude to the council to hire anyone they believe is qualified to deliver consistent leadership and quality services. They could even hire the current temporary administrator if they wish and give him the title of county manager.  So, the important change is appointing a quality manager (administrator) that is held accountable by the council and therefore accountable to the people of San Juan County. Vote yes on Proposition No. 2.

Ralph Gutschmidt

Orcas