It is a democratic right of citizens to choose the way their City is governed.  The existing form of government has created gridlock.  Residents of Black Diamond voted for a new direction by an overwhelming majority in 2011.  The newly elected City Council has been frustrated by a city government which ignores the wishes of our citizens.  The Council-Manager government provides strong political leadership from the Council balanced with a professional city manager, who reports to the City Council, and is responsible for daily operations of city government.  Decisions on policy and the city’s future are made by the entire council, not one individual.  Costs decrease because the city is run in a business-like manner, with lower operating costs and increased productivity.  The Council-Manager form of government responds more reliably to the public.  Black Diamond faces the challenge of land development that would threaten our quality of life, drive up our taxes and degrade our environment.  Join us as we complete the job the voters started last year.  This is our opportunity to reform City Hall and protect our unique community.  Vote YES.

Keep your right to vote for mayor. The mayor is elected by and represents all the citizens of Black Diamond and has done so in our city for over 50 years. Our current mayor–council form of government is used in 81% of all Washington cities.

This decision goes beyond any particular administration, issue, or mayor.  The wisdom of our founding fathers created a divided government with checks and balances to subdue the passions of the moment and to bring reason and thoughtfulness into the process.

Our current mayor-council government is historically proven and ensures balance of power. The mayor has the administrative responsibilities and the city council acts as the legislative branch; a separation of governmental branches with a balance of powers.

A change in our form of government will grant the council both the legislative and the executive authority. The council will increase from five to SEVEN members through an appointment by the current council. This larger council will have all the power, spearheaded by an unelected bureaucrat who doesn’t answer to the citizens of Black Diamond.

The elected City Council is accountable to the citizens of Black Diamond.   As our city grows, outdated methods must be replaced by professional management.  The council hires the city manager.  Council manager separates policy and politics from administration.  Unlike federal and state government, our city has no judicial branch to keep an autocratic Mayor in check.  Council-manager government has proven to be adaptable to complex municipal issues.  VOTE YES!

Statement submitted by: Janie Edelman, Carol Lynn Harp and Ulla Kemman

janieedelman@comcast.net

The current council recently attempted a lawsuit which the mayor was able to stop using her executive powers, saving the city potentially millions of dollars. The balance of power worked. There is no evidence that a city manager will save money over our current professional city administrator. Our quality of life, environment and taxation are already protected in our current form of government. Keep your right to vote for mayor. Vote NO.

Statement submitted by: William Boston, Kristine Hanson and Johna Thomson
www.votenobdprop1.com