To the editor:

I would like to share my concerns about Proposition 1, which if passed would change Langley’s current form of government from a mayor-council to a council-manager.

I disagree that things are not working well in Langley’s government. Langley’s small yet provides most services larger cities do. We have very knowledgeable and competent staff delivering those services. Our current mayor made great progress updating systems within the city making them more efficient and effective, and implemented a finance committee that really focused on the budget. Councilwoman Fran Able’s recent post: www.langleyelecteds.org points out that Langley’s government is and has been working very well, even in this down economy.

In August, if the council-manager form passes, our current mayor is instantly demoted to council member. Since we could not recruit a manager overnight, Langley would be leaderless for months at the most challenging time of year.

Hiring a manager will definitely stress Langley’s already bare budget. Larry Kwarsick, the only candidate running for mayor, wants a half-time salary ($28,000) vs. $100,000-plus for a manager’s salary plus search costs and benefits. Obviously hiring a manager will cost Langley much more.

If passed, by law the council-manager government must stay in place for six years. Carnation (double Langley’s size) is the only small Washington city to choose a council-manager government.

The city manager of Carnation stated recently he needed to keep three out of five council members happy to keep his job. Since the council hires the manager, he answers to the council not the voters. This gives the council more power, allowing for strong ideologies to dominate in planning and elsewhere.

The beauty of a mayor-council government is that both have constituents and there’s a balance of power with the mayor’s ability to veto. It takes someone with leadership and management abilities to run the city, however hiring a manager is not a guarantee that person would do a better job than someone chosen from among us. Langley has many people within its borders with the skills, knowledge and ability to run our small city and they step up to do so.

An elected mayor offers the amenity of being on call 24/7 and is paid to do the job. An elected mayor is our advocate throughout the region negotiating for Langley’s fair share of revenues.

If the council-manager government passes a council member is chosen to be the acting mayor and takes on the time-consuming job.

I question what kind of representation Langley would receive from essentially an unpaid volunteer.

A manager is an 8-to-5 employee, hired from outside, without knowledge of our residents or allegiance to our city.

A mayor, who lives in Langley, who knows and cares about our city and its people, governing day to day, would be my choice. I hope you will join me and vote no on Prop. 1.

COUNCILWOMAN RENE NEFF

Langley City Council