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As regular readers know, we have backed the concept of changing the current form of county government from strong mayor-council to a professional manager-council.
Our reasoning was that politics should be taken out of the day-to-day administration of county government and a professional needs to be brought in to oversee our rapidly expanding county budget.
Last week, the Special Committee on County Governance voted to recommend the county change to a manager-council form – but also keep an elected mayor. The paragraph in The Maui News story read thusly:
“The recommended option would have a managing director who would be the chief operating officer of the county. An elected mayor would represent the county at functions, have veto power over bills and nominate members of boards, committees and commissions.”
We strongly urge the County Council to reject this recommendation and adopt the option of a simple manager-council form of governance. There is no need to have the expense of a mayor and staff.
In a true manager-council system, if the position of mayor is retained, it is largely for ceremonial reasons (ribbon cuttings, proclamations, citations). That is not what is described here. This should-be figurehead is proposed to have veto power over bills and the ability to shape boards, committees and commissions.
In fact, far from being a weak mayor system, the above description might as well change the name of the position to czar. He/she will have immense power – and no responsibilities!
We envisioned the change to a manager-council form as a major step in streamlining and professionalizing county government. The recommendation of the committee will almost certainly promote more bloat and inefficiency.
Somehow, we don’t believe adding a fifth wheel to the county car is going to help steer it away from political infighting or rein in spending.
If we want a form of government with the position of a mayor with serious powers and political influence, just keep the one we have.
* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.