The League of Women Voters has issued a white paper on the City of Pensacola Charter, complete with footnotes. It chastises the city council for not being responsive or leading:
Evaluation of the City of Pensacola and its government under the League’s non-partisan policy and standards shows that the current governmental system of the City of Pensacola is representative, but not open, accountable, or responsive to the people. Non-partisan evaluation of recent actions and responses of City government also show progress and solutions are coming from the grass roots up, not from elected city officials or staff.
The League also advocates a strong mayor:
The League recommends that the CRC consider proposing a charter that provides for a popularly elected, full time, executive mayor to increase the likelihood of sorely needed policymaking and accountability for governmental decisions.
The League also recommends a smaller council:
The League recommends that the CRC consider proposing a charter that provides for a smaller legislative body. A smaller city council would balance, and serve as a check on, the power of a popularly elected executive mayor.
It also recommends term limits, merit system for city personnel and residency requirement of upper management.
