Change of government proposition on Feb. 3 special election ballot

The change of government issue will be discussed by the Bonney Lake City Council in January, and a resolution will likely be considered to either support or oppose the proposition.

Deputy Mayor Dan Swatman said he expects one or more council members to request the issue be placed on the agenda early in January.

At a Feb. 3 special election citizens will decide whether the city should change to a charter-code government or stay as a code city.

Under the code system the City Council passes laws or codes that govern the city. The codes must fall within the guidelines of the Pierce County charter and the state and federal constitutions.

A charter-code system means 15 charter commissioners or freeholders will write a charter, which sets the type of government. The charter must adhere to guidelines set in the state and federal constitutions and the county charter.

Also on the ballot are 15 candidates running for 14 freeholder positions. If the charter-code system is approved, the 15th freeholder will be appointed either by the City Council or the commission according to Pierce County Auditor Pat McCarthy.

Swatman said he thought the City Council should make a stand on the issue.

“I think it is appropriate for the City Council to review the proposition and either oppose or support it,” Swatman said by phone Friday. “We have to give time for the public to voice their support or oppose the issue. We have done it for other issues and I think it is important the public understand the City Council’s position on this.”

City Councilman Dan Decker gathered the signatures to get the charter-code petition placed on the ballot. He presented the ballot to the city March 17.

Decker said in a phone interview Friday concerning the council discussing the issue in January, “My point is this. If you like to be lied to and misled continue listening to the council and mayor, except for (Councilman) David Bowen.”

Mayor Neil Johnson said during a phone interview Friday, “I think it is important for the City Council to take a stand on any initiative before the people.”

Reach Dennis Box at dbox@courierherald.com or 360-802-8209.