Did you see or read about the Sept. 15 City Council Meeting which featured a “special” agenda to give time to the Prop. 1 issue? The format and content of the meeting was a perfect example of why Prop. 1 is on the ballot in the first place.

One of the many speeches that made me shake my head was delivered by council member Eric Faison, who said that he didn’t understand the idea that the manager-council form of government is likened to the corporate model. He was then followed by Jack Dovey, whose entire speech was about how Federal Way is a business.

A letter sent to The News Tribune recently by a John McMahon put it so well, and I would advise Mr. Faison to pay attention: “Our current structure is similar to the staggered boards of directors used by most major companies to prevent the stockholders from ever having any chance at making a significant change in overall leadership and direction. In the same way, our staggered City Council picks one of its own and ensures that the voters can never have enough control to force change. We only vote on a couple of positions at a time so the majority is always in the hands of the entrenched. Since we cannot vote on a majority of council positions at one time, we cannot effect change.”

And how many at that council meeting noticed that the city manager is our police chief? Did the city council try to explain that the manager they paid so much to find and hire has been terminated? No. Mind you, that was the person they have been using as the example of why we needed to keep a city manager.

Voters, don’t be persuaded by small minds, big signs and a childish philosophy that clings to the idea that “everything’s fine.” Everything’s not fine. And it hasn’t been fine for a long time. Give those with actual vision a chance now. The powers that be have had over 20 years to get it right. But without the necessary checks and balances, that list of bad and costly decisions will continue to grow.

Vote yes to finally elect your mayor.

David McKenzie, Federal Way