Members to consider ‘at-large’ City Council

Published 3:54 pm Thursday, April 30, 2009

By Dennis Box, The Courier-Herald

A debate is lining up in the City Council between the at-large and ward system of electing members. An at-large member is elected citywide, while a ward member is elected by voters from the ward.

Currently, Bonney Lake use a combination of the systems - two members are elected at-large and five come specifically from wards.

The at-large members are Neil Johnson and Mark Hamilton. Dave King represents Ward 1, Jim Rackley Ward 2, Cheryle Noble Ward 3, Dan Swatman Ward 4 and Phil DeLeo Ward 5.

Johnson has been a strong proponent of adopting a citywide at-large system.

"I've always felt the at-large system allows better representation," Johnson said. "In that system all seven council members responds to everyone in the city. In the current system, a member in one ward is not accountable to someone's concerns in another ward."

Mayor Bob Young has taken the opposing point of view, believing the ward system is the best for Bonney Lake.

"I don't see it as having overriding support," Young said of going to an all at-large format. "I think the ward system is much better. It's easier and cheaper for people to run from a ward system and they have closer contact with the people you represent. I think the ward system is a better deal for the city."

Noble was appointed to an at-large seat in the spring of 2003 and was elected to the Ward 3 position on Nov. 4.

"I can see both sides," Noble said. "The race for an at-large seat is more costly and time consuming. That's why I didn't pursue the at-large seat. I want to hear more about it from the other City Council members and the citizens."

One of the fears voiced about the at large system in Bonney Lake is that voters from one area could vote a majority of the members in on the Council.

"Many people are worried about everyone being elected from one place," Swatman said. "But that's mathematically impossible. Everyone from place B, for example, would have to vote for that one person."

Swatman has noted that some people felt his support of the at-large system was related to his ward residency problems. He has received considerable criticism that his main residence is not in the ward he represents.

"People try to make the issue around me because it would make my life easier," Swatman said. "But the at-large issue was on the agenda long before my residency problems. The at-large system is a good deal for a growing city. I think it can give more committed candidates."

Sumner, Buckley and Enumclaw all use the at-large system. Puyallup and Tacoma use both the ward and at-large system similar to Bonney Lake. Seattle uses the at-large form.

"In cities that are very diverse you stay with the ward system," Johnson said. "But our demographics across the city are fairly similar. This is something I would like to do. I really feel it helps representation."

According to Deputy City Attorney Jeff Ganson, his research indicates a majority vote of the City Council would be required to make the change to an at-large form.

"There is an ambiguity in the statue that tells how to adopt a ward system," Ganson said. "It doesn't say how you are suppose to abandon a ward system. There isn't any real guidance. My opinion would be the City Council would simply repeal the ordinance setting up the ward system. It would not be subject to a referendum. The statute puts it in the hands of the City Council."

Ganson noted more intensive research of the law would be necessary if the idea goes to a vote on the council.

Dennis Box can be reached at dbox@cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/courierherald