State House Bill 1066, which would allow Bainbridge Island voters to consider whether to change the City’s form of government at a special election before next November, was moved out of committee in Olympia today by unanimous vote. It will be sent to the House of Representatives for a vote on an expedited basis. The vote is expected in two to three weeks.
Advocates want to ask voters as soon as possible whether to change from the current Mayor-City Council form of government to a Council-City Manager form. Under the proposed change, the City would still have a mayor, but the position would be largely ceremonial, with a City Manager assuming the previous responsibilities of the mayor. The mayor would be chosen biennially by vote of the Council and also serve as Council chair.The idea has gained momentum over the past year, as some citizens have become increasingly unhappy with the performance of Mayor Darlene Kordonowy. Some of its proponents support the change as a more efficient form of government, and not because of specific dissatisfaction with her.
The next mayoral election will be held in November 2009. Change-of-government advocates have said they don’t want to confuse voters by asking them to vote on the measure in November, at the same time as they will be voting for mayor.
Mayor Kordonowy has not announced whether she plans to run for a third term, and no one else has formally declared a candidacy.
Change of government proponents Andy Maron and Dennis Vogt testified before the committee today. Council members Bill Knobloch, Debbie Vancil and Kim Brackett also spoke at the request of the committee.
The bill was sponsored by Representative Christine Rolfes, who served on Bainbridge City Council before being elected to state office.
Bainbridge voters can figure out the merits of a change-in-government ballot item on the regular election cycle. Bainbridge Islanders claim — and evidence — superior intellect in all regards. Paying the extra $75,000 for this election is unnecessary and wasteful.