By JIM FERRELL, Federal Way City Council
Imagine not having the opportunity to cast a vote for President of the United States, Governor of the State of Washington or King County Executive.
Voting for the executive officers of our government feels as if it should be a fundamental right — and it is at the federal, state and county levels.
In the City of Federal Way, it is not.
This November, a citizens initiative will be on the ballot where voters may change that, allowing us the ability to vote on who runs our city as an elected mayor.
For the past six years, it has been my honor and privilege to serve as one of your Federal Way City Council members and to serve as deputy mayor for two of those years. During that time, however, I have come to believe that our system of city government does not allow the kind of direct access and accountability that you deserve. For too long now, I have watched as countless members of the community have attempted to address these issues and have struggled with and against our council-manager form of government, to no avail.
The answer to this issue is an elected mayor form of government. What our city needs, and has lacked for far too long, is executive driven leadership to guide us through these difficult times. We need an elected and accountable executive that will manage the day-to-day operations of the city and direct city staff. This will have the effect of placing people closer to their government and not farther from it.
While I admire the efforts of our current and former city managers, and my council colleagues, this current system of governance lacks the one crucial ingredient: An executive directly accountable to the people. Simply stated, four people should not decide who the mayor will be with a city our size, approximately 88,000 people.
Instead, we need to have an election to determine who will lead us for the future. The people deserve a choice.
This is why, in my capacity as a private citizen, I have stepped up, at the request of ACT (Accountability Comes to Town) to be a spokesperson for this movement. I passionately believe in the right of all citizens to be heard and for their vote to count. I do so, knowing that I will draw criticism, but I believe this issue is too important for our citizens to simply stand by as this debate occurs.
The other day I was asked by a reporter if I would run, should this pass. I answered the question honestly, that yes I would. It would be disingenuous to suggest otherwise. I have endorsed this measure, as I did in 2008, because I believe it to be the form of government that provides the most openness and accountability to our citizens, whoever may occupy the post.
Lastly, I want to add that many of the people opposed to this measure have contributed greatly to the city and played an integral part of its creation. To them, I say thank you for your contributions and join me in a vigorous debate about the future of this community.
Their principal argument is that only trained, specialized professionals are capable of running a city this size. It’s important to note that Renton, Auburn and Kent all have elected mayors. To suggest that no one person in this community has the talent or vision to lead us is frankly elitist. There is something wrong when we forget that America is a country of citizen legislators and executives. We need a city government that is truly of, by and for the people.
Please join me in bringing accountability to Federal Way and in the process real change.
