Absolute power corrupts absolutely | Federal Way letters

Published 12:49 pm Friday, October 30, 2009

To my fellow Federal Way voters, I am asking you to vote against Proposition 1. Let’s continue to keep our city council/manager form of government.

Why does it always come down to name calling and misinformation? I am a proud, liberal Democrat, proud to have been a former 30th District chairperson. I am neither an “elitist” nor “wealthy.” Far from it. I am offended and tired of being called names just because I am a community volunteer, and not just at election time. It is unfortunate that again we had to come to this contentious and divisive election that has resulted in this mayor vs. city council form of government, known as Proposition 1.

Elected mayors. Do you remember Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley and the Democratic National Convention? I was living there, and it was a nightmare. How about Marion Barry, D.C.’s crack-smoking mayor? Way too many bad mayors to list here.

Could this happen in Federal Way? Sure, why not? “The arrogance of power” it’s called — centralized power, one person with all the control that can do whatever they pretty much want. Surround themselves with their associates, contributors, cronies’ buddies, followers. Call it what you like, elected mayors can and do bring their “people” on board when they get elected. Checks and balances? Yea, election time, or recall. The city council/manager form of governing was developed as a direct result of way too much mayoral corruption, in big and small cities.

This proposition is really about a disgruntled few. These people are clearly attempting to influence the future of Federal Way in a way that only reflects their interests. Local control, which is why Federal Way became a city. Are you really ready to give that away to a few people, when now we are all represented?

“Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Don’t let this happen here.

Please join me: Vote against Proposition 1. Thank you.

Peg Altman, Federal Way