To the Editor:

I think it's important that voters in Federal Way know what they're voting for next month when they are asked to vote on having a strong Mayor in Federal Way.

We now have seven City Council members who select one of their members to be mayor.

That mayor chairs council meetings and performs ceremonial duties.

He has a vote on the council just like any other member.

If the proposal passes, then the voters will elect a mayor who will also chair council meetings and handle ceremonial duties but will not be a council member.

The mayor will preside over all meetings of the city council but will only have a vote in case of a tie. Also, the mayor cannot vote on any ordinance, grant, or revocation of franchise or license, or any resolution for the payment of money.

The mayor will have the power to veto ordinances passed by the council and submitted to him, but such veto may be overridden by the vote of a majority of all council members plus one (5 of the 7 council members.)

The mayor shall be the chief executive and administrative officer of the city, the duties now performed by our City Manager. For more details see RCW 35A.12.100.

The city has a very detailed job description for the City Manager, which includes education and experience requirements that make a nationwide search for candidates necessary. The chances that a citizen of Federal Way will have those qualifications and wants to run for mayor are extremely slim.

If this issue passes, the title of Mayor will have been moved from a council member to a person who has no ability to vote on issues except in the limited manner described above, and he or she will replace a highly qualified professional City Manager without having to meet any of the job's qualifications.

There is no benefit to the citizens of Federal Way and this change will cost the city about a quarter of a million additional dollars every year.

Vote NO on the strong Mayor/Council form of government to keep effective city management.

Donald E. Dennis

Federal Way