Waynesboro needs new system

Submitted, letter-to-the-editor
Published: June 18, 2008

Thirty-nine years ago I completed Warren Coleman’s senior course in government and graduated from Waynesboro High School.  Since that time, I have studied, participated in and worked in local government. 
Sadly I must say, the citizens of Waynesboro know that their government and leadership is dysfunctional and torn apart by special interest groups and political bickering and infighting.
Citizens of Waynesboro may say that “A new direction is needed!” This is true but the path forward is not to fire your City Manager. This shows a fundamental flaw. An efficient path forward may include a major organization change.
The city of Waynesboro currently operates under the City Council-Mayor/City Manager form of government. The mayor is elected by the council. The city manager is hired by the council. City employees and department heads are accountable to the city manager.
Let’s propose that the city of Waynesboro operate under the City Council/strong mayor form of government. The mayor is elected by the citizens of Waynesboro. City employees and department heads report to the mayor.
This is a fundamental change for the citizens of Waynesboro, so what does it mean?
n The voters of Waynesboro elect their mayor who is the designated head of the local government. Voters elect the council to advise and guide the mayor on local governmental policy and to initiate and pass local ordinances.
n All local governmental employees serve at the pleasure of the mayor.
n The local government becomes a taxpayer-driven government and not a political or interest group-driven government.
n Taxpayers would have almost a direct input in their local government and the issues.
n Taxpayers could elect their mayor on the same day as the presidential election. This would ensure greater voter turnout. The last election included less than a third of the eligible voters. 
As a Waynesboro native and graduate of Waynesboro High School, I dearly love Waynesboro.
To the citizens of Waynesboro: Please take back Waynesboro as you and I love it. Instead of the council hiring a city manager, citizens should elect a mayor.
Bob Browning
Waynesboro