The Federal Way City Council, under the direction of Mayor Jim Ferrell, voted to bring Bob Celski back onto the City Council to fill a vacant seat. Rather than showing leadership and taking the opportunity to move the council out from under the thumb of the mayor, the council voted for the status quo. It is interesting that the council even went through the charade of accepting applications and holding interviews when even the city attorney was telling citizens it was a done deal that Mr. Celski had the appointment — a month before the interviews were to take place.

I’m left scratching my head about the power structure at City Hall. Under RCW 35A.12.100, the mayor shall preside over all meetings of the City Council, when present, and act as a tie-breaking vote. But, due to the inaction of the council, as evident by the mayor setting the agenda on who would fill the council vacancy, he not only is the executive, but the default legislative authority, as well. The council missed a great opportunity to bring a voice of change to the legislative body and continues to give the mayor unchecked authority by not taking the steps to change the city code to remove him from legislative business. Other cities don’t allow the mayor to meddle like the Federal Way mayor — do you think the City Council in Seattle would have Mayor Murray “presiding” over their meetings? I would say no.

Aaron Bert, Federal Way