A low-key petition drive has been launched in Langley to force a vote in August to change the city’s form of government.

Supporters of the petition drive hope to do away with the position of an elected mayor and install a council-manager form of government. Under that model of government, used by 54 of 281 cities and towns in Washington, the day-to-day operations of city hall is run by a professional manager hired by the city council.

Word of the stealthy signature-gathering effort came to light late this week, after Langley resident Mark Wahl acknowledged he had sent out petitions to others involved in the campaign, as well as a set of “talking points” to promote the changeover and an e-mail message that complained about the current administration and a “less-than-competent staff” that was making “amateurish decisions on challenges that frankly are over its head.”

Wahl stressed the move to change Langley’s government, however, was not inspired by any unhappiness with Mayor Paul Samuelson.

“I don’t want any polarization here,” Wahl said. “This is not a vendetta against  Paul in any way.”

“I just feel it’s something where the time has come,” he said, adding that Langley should open itself to a wider pool of talented professionals who could also better manage the operations of the city during increasingly complex times.

Wahl said he was not leading the campaign, and declined to name any others involved, though he did say he hadn’t talked to anyone on the city council about it. He also  noted the work of Edgecliff resident Barbara Seitle in hosting a forum earlier this month that focused on the different forms of municipal government and how citizens can work toward change.

Supporters of the switch in city government hope to get enough signatures — roughly 60 or so — that would put the measure on the primary ballot.

The mayor said he was not surprised by the petition drive.

“If it gets on the ballot, then the community I’m sure will diligently look at the options and make the right choice,” Samuelson said.

Though talk of a possible change has bubbled for months, some have begun to question whether it’s a good idea, given that it will increase the power of the city council and leave Langley without an elected mayor. Some critics have pointed, in particular, to Councilman Robert Gilman, and have said they oppose the switch because it would give Gilman more influence over the operations of city hall.

The councilman, who also serves as mayor pro tem, has endured much criticism in recent months for his efforts to change zoning and development rules in the city, as well as for second-guessing city hall employees on projects they’ve overseen.

Gilman said Thursday he didn’t know how involved he would get with the campaign, but added he did support the short- and long-term goals of the group.

“I’m just being supportive of those who want to have the conversation,” Gilman said. “At this point in time, if I had to make a choice

I would think that Langley would probably be better served with the city manager form.”

Gilman also said the proposed switch was not about him.

“My life is actually moving away from Langley at this point in terms of my interest and energies,” he said.

“This is not about some way for me to get more influence,” Gilman said.