Welcome to The Senate Site

By Carlene Walker
Utah State Senator, District 8

A city council decides to enact a city manager form of government. The Mayor of that city does not approve. As the two entities are both elected, and must work in tandem, who has the final say?

Voters?

The Legislature?

For the city of Bluffdale, this issue is not hypothetical anymore (see the Deseret Morning News and the Salt Lake Tribune stories).

The Local Issues Task Force is working on a permanent statutory fix. Our number one guiding principle, as accepted by the committee, is voter input. Specifically, "Respect for Voters - Voters should have a say in any change in the form of municipal government."

We are working closely with the League of Cities and Towns to come to a consensus opinion as to how the form of government in a city might be changed in an orderly fashion, and inclusive of citizen input. If both the mayor and city council are in agreement - fine. Both are elected and represent their citizens. There would probably be no need for a special election. If, however, there were disagreement I believe you need to have a vote of the people living within that municipality.

That's the direction we're headed right now. Draft legislation will be discussed at the next task force meeting (July 23rd, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

I would appreciate your thoughtful input. You can E-mail me (cwalker 'at' utahsenate.org) or post comments to this blog.

Thank you!

2 Comments:

 Todd said...

A change in form of government should always have the input of voters.

I have been watching local governments closely in Utah for the past twenty years. Nearly every change in form of government is brought about by: 1) conflicting personalities; or, 2) a belief by the citizens that the workings of their local government is too cozy and run to the detriment of the average citizen.

Now, in the first instance, it is unlikely that the Mayor and Council are in agreement. But in the second, you could have the entire leadership together against the wishes of the public.

Wars are fought over changing forms of government. Is it too much to ask for consent of the governed about the very form of their government?

7/04/2007 12:22 PM  

 John Roylance said...

I say let Bluffdale handle their own business and the state should stay out of it.

7/05/2007 11:00 AM  

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