Edmonds ponders move to city-manager instead of mayor

EDMONDS — Mayors have run this 120-year-old city since George Brackett first held the office in 1890.

As Mayor Gary Haakenson prepares to leave the office he’s held since January 2000, some City Council members say it might be time to consider doing away with the strong-mayor form of government.

In its place, council members Michael Plunkett and Diane Buckshnis say they’d like the city to consider having a city manager hold the city’s top job.

Plunkett has been pushing for a city manager-run city for months. He’d like his council colleagues to back his proposal to place a resolution on the Nov. 2 ballot this year asking voters whether they’d like to make the change.

To get it on the ballot, the council would have to approve the proposal by Aug. 10.

“I think the council is willing to give the voters the opportunity to decide,” Plunkett said.

Haakenson, 62, is scheduled to begin work July 6 as Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon’s deputy, replacing Mark Soine, who resigned. Haakenson’s last scheduled day of work as mayor is July 1.

Tuesday, the council is expected to discuss how to replace Haakenson, who’s four-year term ends Dec. 31, 2011.

Unlike mayors, who are elected to office and oversee city staff, city managers are part of the city’s staff. City managers run several cities in the county, including Mountlake Terrace, Mill Creek, Snohomish and Monroe. In those cities, mayors are elected by the council but do not directly supervise employees.

Plunkett said he favors appointing someone to serve as mayor through 2011 who isn’t interested in campaigning for the next mayoral term that begins January 2012.

“I think I’d just as soon have us appoint a caretaker interim mayor,” he said. “In the meantime, we’re going to vote on a city manager, hopefully as soon as November.”

Council President Steve Bernheim said he’d prefer to follow the procedure used to appoint council members to vacant seats. In that process, the council reviews applications and appoints someone after public interviews.

Buckshnis said it’s important for people to understand the difference between a council-manager form of government and a directly elected mayor.

“I don’t think the public really understands the difference between having a professional administrator and (elected) mayor,” she said.

The council has appointed two council members since 2008. Soon, it will appoint someone to fill the seat vacated by Dave Orvis, who resigned in May to spend more time with his family.

“I’m a process guy,” Bernheim said. “Unless someone has a better idea, I would expect to use the same procedure we have used to fill these city council positions.”

By law, the council has 90 days beginning July 2 to appoint the interim mayor. The appointee could be a council member or another Edmonds resident who’s registered to vote and has lived in the city for at least a year.

Oscar Halpert: 425-339-3429; ohalpert@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

District 2 candidates differ in public safety approach

Incumbent Paula Rhyne is facing challenger Ryan Crowther. The third candidate, Jonathan Shapiro, is no longer seeking the seat.

From left to right, Edmonds City Council Position 3 candidates Joseph Ademofe, Alex Newman and Erika Barnett.
Amid budget crisis, Edmonds City Council candidates talk revenue, affordability

Three newcomers are facing off for Position 3 on the council, currently held by council President Neil Tibbott.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Everett
Everett approves new fines for non-emergency lifts

The fire department will only issue fines for non-emergency lift assists at licensed care facilities, not for individuals at home calling 911.

Guns for sale at Caso’s Gun-A-Rama in Jersey City, New Jersey, which has been open since 1967. (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos/New Jersey Monitor)
After suing, WA gets carveout from Trump administration plan to return gun conversion devices

The Trump administration has agreed to not distribute devices that turn semi-automatic… Continue reading

The Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility about 16 miles east of Ellensburg in central Washington is part of Puget Sound Energy’s clean energy portfolio. (Courtesy of Puget Sound Energy)
Megabill’s elimination of tax credits for clean energy projects could cost WA $8.7 billion

Washington households could see electricity costs increase $115 per year by 2029; 21,800 workers could lose their jobs by 2030, analysts say.

Everett mayor candidates focus on affordability, city budget in costly race

As incumbent Cassie Franklin seeks a third term in office, three candidates are looking to unseat her.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.