From staff reports
The Mirror and Federal Way Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a debate on the proposed change to Federal Way’s form of government.
The event will run 6 to 7:30 p.m. today, Jan. 16, at Federal Way High School’s Little Theater. Federal Way residents representing the “pro” and “con” sides of the issue will participate.
Susan Kovalik, founder of The Center for Human Brain and Human Learning in Federal Way, will moderate the debate. Audience members may also submit questions for debaters.
Voters will decide Feb. 19 whether to change Federal Way’s form of government from the current council-manager system to a mayor-council form involving an elected mayor.
The ballot measure’s explanatory statement reads:
“If approved by the voters, this measure would abandon the current council-manager form of government and adopt the mayor-council form of government. This change would transfer the administrative responsibilities from the city manager, hired by the city council, to an elected mayor. The position of city manager would be eliminated and the elected mayor would become a full-time position. The elected mayor would preside over city council meetings and be recognized as the head of the city for ceremonial purposes.
“The reorganization to mayor-council form of government would require an election in November 2008.”
—-
Check it out
What: Debate over the proposed change to Federal Way’s form of government
When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16
Where: Federal Way High School’s Little Theater, 30611 16th Ave. S. (Pacific Highway and 304th St.).
Access: Theater can be accessed through the gym, cafeteria or outside on the school’s south side. Parking is available behind the school.
Yes to mayor-council: In favor of a mayor-council form of government is Accountability Comes to Town (ACT), headed by Federal Way resident Roy Parke. Information:www.actfedway.com.
No to mayor-council: Federal Way Works is a group that opposes a possible move to a mayor-council form of government. The group’s 20-person committee is headed by Barbara Reid. Information:www.federalwayworks.org.
Read more local opinions on page A4 in today’s paper.
