How an elected mayor would change Federal Way’s operating structure

By Jacinda Howard • September 18, 2009 2:13 pm

For the second time in as many years, a campaign to change Federal Way’s form of government will go before voters. Proposition One — a measure that asks residents if they wish to switch from a city council/manager to city council/elected mayor system — will appear on the November general election ballot.

During a Sept. 16 public hearing, city attorney Pat Richardson presented information on how Federal Way’s operating structure will change if residents approve of the change:

• A mayor, rather than city manager, will have executive authority.

• A mayor will be elected by the citizens. The city manager is currently hired by the city council.

• Only a recall election could remove an unwanted mayor. A majority city council vote now gets rid of a city manager.

• An elected mayor will be chosen for a four-year term. A city manager does not have a term limit.

• An elected mayor could select and fire the city’s management staff without council input. Currently, a city manager also does this without needed confirmation from the council.

• The power to veto a majority vote by the city council will be awarded to an elected mayor. A city manager has no power to override the council’s majority vote.

• An elected mayor could propose policies. A city manager can only recommend policies to the council.

• An elected mayor has the power to implement policies. A city manager also has this power after the policies are approved by the city council.

Under the current system, every two years the seven elected council members choose a mayor from within their ranks. This person is the face of the city, but does not have the executive authority to make lone decisions regarding the city and its residents. The tenure of the council members and the council’s role as the legislative authority will not change if Proposition One passes.

The elected mayor issue last appeared on a special ballot in February 2008. It cost the city upwards of $100,000 to place the issue on that ballot. The public voted to keep the council/manager form of government. It will not cost the city to place Proposition One of the general election ballot.