Ashtabula voters Tuesday were far smarter than City Council was when it presented its ill-conceived, poorly executed proposed charter change.
This charter plan had far more to do with politics and trying to oust City Manager Anthony Cantagallo and City Solicitor Michael Franklin than improving the community and moving it forward. It was soundly defeated by voters.
Under the measure, the current City Council would appoint a city manager and solicitor, ousting the incumbents — well, unless council chose to retain the incumbents, which is very doubtful.
What’s more, these appointees would serve beyond the November election, when some council members may be replaced.
Yet the charter offers no way to replace these individuals if they don’t work out or don’t leave on their own. Would it require expensive litigation to do what is part of every other city’s charter?
What’s more, there are no educational requirements for the new manager.
Many believe the proposed changes were tailor-made to bring back Tom Simon, who lost his last election for city solicitor. His being on the charter panel certainly reinforced that notion, right or wrong.
Does Ashtabula need a better charter? Absolutely. But it shouldn’t be one where anyone can be named manager and the power lies with the seven individuals on council.
A better idea is either a city manager form that requires education and experience and allows him or her to appoint the solicitor and finance director, or a strong mayor who is elected and appoints these individuals.
That way, council could legislate and if the chief executive fails to lead effectively, he has no one to blame but him/ herself.
But all this must start with a council elected to serve the people and better the community, not one serving failed politicians.
So real positive change must begin this fall when voters decide the look of the new council.
Opinion
Real charter change starts in November
Star Beacon editorial for May 7, 2009
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