A group has formed to oppose the Feb. 19 ballot initiative to switch to a strong, elected mayor in Federal Way.
Barbara Reid is chairwoman of the 10-member steering committee for the new group called Federal Way Works.
Reid, retired from corporate communications at The Boeing Co., says her city’s current council-manager form of government works well and has been accountable to the public.
Roy Parke, who led a petition drive to put the measure on the ballot, has said the city needs a mayor elected by the public who is directly accountable. Parke’s group is called Accountability Comes to Town.
Under Federal Way’s current government, the City Council elects the mayor – a mostly ceremonial position – from its ranks every two years, while a professional city manager runs the city.
A strong, elected mayor, like the one in Auburn and Gig Harbor, usually works full time directing day-to-day city operations. Federal Way would be the largest city in the region with that type of government if voters say yes.
Steve Maynard, The News Tribune
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