Reject CRC Prop. 1 and 2 on ballot | Editorial
Published 10:39 am Tuesday, October 9, 2012
We think it’s too soon to reverse the changes that county voters endorsed seven years ago.
In 2005, voters endorsed, by 63 percent, the “Basic” Home Rule Charter and by 55 percent, an amendment to the charter that divided the county into six legislative districts, created a council of six part-time legislators, and established district-only elections for each of those part-time posts.
Now, county residents will decide how much to reorganize that structure in this November’s election with a vote on three propositions put forth by the Charter Review Commission.
The propositions would cut the council from six part-time members to three full-time members (prop. 1); replace the executive county administrator position with a county manager (prop. 2); and mandate that all county council meetings are open to the public (prop. 3).
The Sounder is encouraging a “no” vote on Prop. 1 and 2. At this point in time, we don’t feel it’s the right direction for our county. Here is why.
• The county legislative body is now more diverse in its representation and has evolved into a more collaborative and effective decision-making unit with six members, rather than three.
• With an annual budget of roughly $45 million, county business deserves to be managed by a professional administrator, not by three elected officials who also set policy and make laws. That’s too much power vested in too few hands.
• Many argue that in county-wide elections for a three-person council, the legislative body would be more accountable to the voters. We think our council members care equally about island-specific issues regardless of which community voted for them.
The charter has brought about positive change and it’s far too soon to unhinge it from its foundation. The next review is in 10 years. While we think that’s a bit too far into the future, it doesn’t mean that now is the right time to reverse all the growth that has occurred. Reject Prop. 1 and 2.
