Charter Controversy: Whether Council-Led Government Is Better Than Mayor-Led City

During the St. George candidates forum on Tuesday, March 11, candidates explained their position on the proposed City Charter.  Here are some of their comments:

• Mayoral candidate Jim Morgan said, “I’m a big No! The City Manager is a key issue. He will have immense power. The Mayor of Dallas makes half as much as our Mayor. I don’t get the logic of that. The project manager of IBTS does everything a City Manager would do but without paying $250,000.”

• Mayor Dustin Yates said, “I get no money as Mayor. That will go to the elected Mayor. The City Charter provides for term limits and requires a vote of the people to raise taxes. The Charter will be revised every 10 years.

At-Large Council Candidates

David Dellucci. I favor the Charter. I believe in a Council-led government. If you want something done, go to your Councilman.

Scott Emonet. The people will get it right. I want a home rule charter. Maybe not this one.

Bill Johannessen. I’m firmly Against! It is not the document we need. Fatally flawed.  To amend it will take 6 of the 7 votes on the Council and a referendum. Or signatures of 25 percent of voters in 60 days. 60 days is unattainable. The Charter creates an unwieldy situation. The project manager of the private company reports to the City Manager who reports to the Mayor who reports to Council.  It makes no sense.

Jim Talbot. One of my promises is to be responsive to you. I’ve listened. 90 percent of the people I’ve talked to oppose paying a City Manager $250,000. Dustin Yates is perfectly capable of working with the city contractor without a middle man in between. I would vote No.

Shaunn Wyche. I believe in the Charter. If you want to put your thoughts into action, it provides for referendum.  I’m relying on the will of the people.

Council District 4 Candidates

Patty Cook. I was one of two Council members on the Charter Commission and served as co-chairman. I support the Charter 100 percent. We do not need an all-powerful Mayor. Hold the Council responsible.  Give people the power.

David Madaffari. No! Our country is based on separation of power between executive and legislative branches. This blurs the lines and has the legislative branch running the government. The City Manager is superfluous.

Shannon Powell. The people can make this decision. If you don’t have enough participation, this plan won’t work. Right now, we do not have the participation. No!

Justin Turner.  I’m against the Home Rule Charter.  I’ve heard we don’t want an all-powerful Mayor. Yet, the Charter creates an all-powerful City Manager who is not elected and cannot be voted out by the people. The Mayor would be liaison between Council and City Manager who would relay things to the private company. It’s an unnecessary and very expensive extra layer of government.