“We have an excellent mayor and we’ve had some excellent mayors, but there’s no guarantee that someone might be elected who doesn’t have the skills to run the city – like we have seen in the past.” – Dr. Terri Johnson, co-chair of Madison Forward
MADISON — A possible move to a council-manager government for Madison took another step Thursday when a petition calling for a referendum was introduced.
The petition was introduced at a public meeting in the Madison Public Library by Dr. Terri Johnson and Jim Ross, co-chairs of the citizen group Madison Forward.
“The objective is to get this on the ballot and allow a vote,” said Ross. “I believe having a city manager would benefit Madison but we’re here to share information.
“It’s up to the voters.”
According to Ross, 900 signatures are needed to get the measure on a ballot for a special election this fall.
Ross headed up the mayor-appointed Governance Transition Committee that studied what form of government would be best for Alabama’s ninth largest city. In January, the committee unanimously proposed a council-manager government.
Because the city of Madison is within two counties, the petition signatures would potentially need to be certified by both the Limestone County and Madison County probate judges.
“After the signatures are certified by the probate judge, the mayor would set a special election within 40 to 90 days,” Johnson said.
Johnson and Ross discussed the benefits of a council-manager format of government.
“A city manager running the day-to-day operations would allow the city to be run like a business focusing on the goals the mayor and city council have laid out,” said Johnson.
Ross said the mayor would then have more time to focus on “the strategic vision and outreach of our city”.
Johnson said continuity, accountability and transparency would also improve under a council-manager format.
On July 11, Mayor Paul Finley and Auburn Mayor Ron Anders Jr. will discuss the mayor’s duties in a council-manager government. The meeting is at noon at the library.
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