As a Marysville council member, I have watched the debate over Proposition 1, regarding changing Marysville’s form of government, with interest. The two core arguments are that the city needs professional management and, if we’re honest, there are some folks who are tired of the politics and mayor at city hall.
Marysville already has professional management in the form of its current chief administrative officer, Mary Swenson. Reform Now’s expert witness, Jack Collins, is unabashedly lobbying for Ms. Swenson to become our city manager should Proposition1 pass. That is not exactly a major shake up in management. Additionally, there are highly educated, experienced department directors overseeing police, public works, community development, parks and recreation, and finance.
Regarding politics at city hall: When I expressed interest in a council position most people told me I was insane to want to get embroiled in that mess. Instead, I am proud to be counted among all the members of council. We have pulled together to get things done. There is dignity in our disagreements, respect for other’s opinions, and openness to our opposition. Our foe on one issue is often our friend on the next. Mayor Dave Weiser is responsive to the concerns of council members, and the city is moving forward.
The facts, as I see them, are that Marysville already is a professionally managed city, and our current government is fully functional. If you believe that Marysville needs fresh vision and leadership, you already have the right to choose a new mayor next November. I, for one, hold tightly to every right and choice I have left. One of those rights is the opportunity to hire or fire our elected mayor every four years at the ballot box. With absentee ballot in hand, I am voting no on Proposition 1.
Marysville City Council
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