by Councilwoman Teresa Barth
Dear Editor,
Many people have asked me about Proposition K: "Shall the electors of the City of Encinitas elect a mayor and four city council members?"
They are often surprised when I tell them I voted No on K.
As many of you know, I have experienced the petty partisanship that has occurred under the current council selected process. Yet I still believe that an annual rotation among the council members is a good system that only needs to be better defined.
By codifying the rotation, there will be certainty in the process not only for the council members but for the public and the city staff as well. I believe this will set a positive tone sending a clear message that the council is working together in the best interest of the city not their own personal agendas.
One of the arguments for Prop K is to let the voters decide. Yet we have seen in recent campaigns the strong influence of special interest money from direct contributions to slate mailers and smear campaigns. This would only intensify in a mayoral election.
Also not defined in this ballot initiative is the actual duties of an elected Mayor. The impartial analysis describes the duties as established by “custom and practice” and the performance of certain ceremonial functions. It makes the position sound almost unimportant. Not included was the very important duty of setting the meeting agenda in coordination with the city manager. Nor was there any reference to additional salary or compensation.
Even if I supported the idea of an elected Mayor, I could not support such a poorly crafted, open ended proposal.Encinitas is a unique city formed as a collaboration of five distinct communities. I believe its council should also be a collaboration of the five distinct members.
Vote No on Propositions K.
Thank you,
Teresa Barth
Encinitas City Councilwoman
