Proposition 1 is asking us to change from a proven form of government to a form that is faltering all around us. There is no statistical data available to show that the council/manager plan of government is better than a mayor-council plan.

Within a 55-mile radius of Port Orchard, there are four cities that are struggling to balance their budgets with city managers at the helm: Olympia, Port Townsend, Port Angeles and Bainbridge Island.

These cities have eliminated about 40 positions between them, some police and firefighters, all for budgetary reasons. It is obvious that a city manager is nothing more than another layer of government that is totally insulated from the responsibility to the tax payer.

This measure asks the voter to give up their right to vote for the mayor. The proponents of this measure can say what they want, the truth is, if this measure passes, the position for mayor will never appear on another ballot.

The figurehead mayor will be chosen from within the city council, by the city council, and without input from the citizens.

Do not give up your right to vote for mayor. Please vote no on Proposition 1.

Nick Whittleton | Port Orchard