The Pensacola City Council also discussed hiring its own attorney and getting help on understanding the city charter.
Council members Maren DeWeese, Sam Hall and Larry Johnson openly supported the new charter. The others did not.
Here are their blog posts on the issue. I included the quotes from their closing arguments for strong mayor and the new charter:
Johnson: Charter ballots due November 24, please vote
“I voted YES on the charter because I believe it makes some important and necessary changes and provides a good foundation for Pensacola’s future.”
DeWeese: Believe in Pensacola! Vote Yes on the Charter
“Let’s have one voice for prosperity, a Strong Leader. Believe in Pensacola and Vote YES for the new Charter!!”
Hall: Mayor-Council: Who has the power?
“If the mayor is hostile to the council, then his agenda will never be heard. Conversely, if the council is hostile to the mayor, then the mayor can veto what council has passed, which is subject to override by a supermajority. Either way, it will be the elected, the accountable ones to the public, who will set the agenda. Yet, without a doubt, the professionals (staff) will have to weigh in to make an issue successful.”
A simple presentation by the Charter Commission chair Crystal Spencer would rectify any issues. All the meetings are on video, too. If after reviewing the charter documents the council has issues with the mayor, I agree with City Attorney Messer that taking these disputes to a judge would be prudent. At least, we would get some closure on these lingering questions about power.
This isn’t that complicated.
What is scary is a majority of the council didn’t support the new charter and could undo what we all worked so hard to make happen.
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I’ve already pointed out the tension over city attorney. Here is more on the issue
