Recently I’ve learned that there is a movement to have our current form of city government changed from one run by a city manager to one run by an elected mayor.

This is exciting, as the city would then become more accountable to its citizens than ever before. The current makeup of the city government doesn’t allow for the kind of accountability that an elected mayor would. Having a local resident, one who has a vision for our city, move us forward is an exciting prospect.

Some argue that there are not enough “qualified” people within our community to properly run a city government. Why does a citizen have to have certain “qualifications” in order to be elected and run government? One of the fundamental tenants of our country is that anyone, from any type of background, can be elected to political office without having to be “qualified” other than be a citizen, of a certain age, and reside in the locale they seek election. When the status quo is challenged, why does “qualification” become a centerpiece argument against such change? Are some afraid of having their status changed, or possibly lowered, because they may not be able to win such an election themselves?

The current makeup of our city government allows for only indirect accountability to its citizens, without the transparency the people need and require of their government. An elected mayor would take accountability out of the shadows and bring it into the light. It will allow Federal Way’s citizens to determine how their city should be run, rather than by the committee and managers who are not beholden to the city’s residents.

Federal Way needs a mayor, one who can bring accountability and transparency to government.

Barry Richard Morrison, Federal Way