SNOHOMISH — In November, voters will decide if they want to change their city government.
The question is whether to switch to a strong mayor government. If so, it would replace the current council-manager government.
The push for the change came from Bill Betten. He’s circulated petitions on the issue, the first step in getting the proposal on the ballot. He also was behind an effort to recall the mayor, which he later withdrew, saying his family had been harassed.
The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution putting the question on the General Election ballot.
Betten said he was appreciative that the council took the action. “We’ve bumped heads,” he said. “We all just want what’s best for Snohomish.”
Betten said he wanted to help the community have a voice in how the city is governed. “There will be flaws in any form of government that we choose, but sometimes change is good,” he said.
If voters turn down the proposal, Betten said he would support the decision.
The city’s mayor would have more power and take on more responsibilities under a strong mayor government. Mayor Karen Guzak doesn’t hesitate to say how she feels about the proposed change.
She describes her opposition to the proposal as “absolutely, without a doubt.”
The city council has seven elected officials who collectively make decisions, she said.
City Manager Larry Bauman oversees the day-to-day operations of the government. The city’s mayor is selected by the city council. Bauman’s annual salary of $142,853. Guzak’s salary is $725 a month.
“I think a lot of folks think that the city is doing a good job,” Guzak said.
Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486; salyer@heraldnet.com
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