EDMONDS — Residents will have a chance to tell the City Council whether they’d like to change to a council-manager form of government.
The city is now led by an elected mayor who serves a 4-year term.
The City Council decided 4-2 on Tuesday night that it would hold a public hearing on the issue at 7 p.m. July 20 at the Public Safety Building, 250 Fifth Ave. N.
Councilman Michael Plunkett brought the idea forward to the council. Councilmen D.J. Wilson and Strom Peterson voted no. If approved, the council could place the issue before voters on the Nov. 2 ballot.
Edmonds’ government is in transition. Mayor Gary Haakenson has accepted a job as Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon’s deputy. His last day as mayor will be July 2.
The council agreed Tuesday to interview interim mayoral candidates July 13. That person would serve the rest of Haakenson’s term, which expires Dec. 31, 2011.
Peterson said he welcomes an open discussion on whether now is a good time to do away with the so-called “strong mayor” form of government. He said he voted “no” because he doesn’t want anyone to think he’s endorsing the idea.
Wilson questioned the motivation for considering a change now.
“We ought to have a good reason to change our form of government,” he said. “Why is the system we have now failing us? We haven’t heard it.”
Oscar Halpert: 425-339-3429; ohalpert@heraldnet.com.
Apply for interim mayor opening
Applicants interested in appointment as interim mayor can pick up applications at City Hall, 121 Fifth Ave. N. or on the city’s website at www.ci.edmonds.wa.us.
Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. July 7. Interviews are scheduled for July 13 at Council Chambers, 250 Fifth Ave. N.
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