George,

I'm pleased that council is deliberating (at snail's pace) instituting a strong mayoral system for the city. Richmond, not the most radical city in the nation, has opted for a strong mayor, and there are many benefits to be anticipated from changing from the present system of council choosing the mayor.

The benefits, in my opinion, would be: a shot in the arm to public interest in local government; the location of identifiable responsibility for the city's governance and more democratic selecton of an important city official. Now, the city manager is, in fact, the mayor, and he is appointed, not elected.

The city manager system is being replaced in many cities in the nation. It mimics the design of a business corporation in its organization at a time when there is growing disillusionment with how corporations operate, e.g., fabulous salaries for CEOs and powerless stockholders.

Kay Peaslee (electronic mail, August 17, 2004)