Read more: Local, Politics, Community, Strong Mayor, Lionel Rivera, Colorado Springs, Shawn Paige
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- People in Colorado Springs may soon see a new form of city government.
Some people are suggesting the Springs should switch to what’s called the "strong mayor" form of government. That would give the mayor more power to run the city. But he would also be more accountable.
Switching to a strong mayor set-up would require a change to the city's charter, which means it would have to be approved by voters.
Not everyone is convinced it's the cure for what ails the city.
Right now the way Colorado Springs city government is set up, the mayor is a lot like the other council members.
"What we have now is a city manager form of government in which the mayor is in a weaker position. He sort of like an enhanced member of city council," said city council member Sean Paige.
Now some are suggesting switching to what’s called a "strong mayor" form of government.
"The mayor would have more day-to-day management control over the city and would have the accountability that comes with that," Paige said.
The mayor would become a full-time position and would have the authority to hire and fire top city officials without council's approval.
If the city switched to a strong mayor format it wouldn't happen on the current mayor's watch.
But Lionel Rivera has given the idea some thought.
"I think he understands as the mayor the limitations placed on that job in this form of government, so he's been floating around the idea of strong mayor too,” Paige said.
But he isn’t convinced a strong mayor would suddenly fix everything.
"I don’t think switching to a strong mayor is a panacea for everything that plagues Colorado Springs, not by a long shot," said Paige.
The plan would have to be put on the ballot by city council or by petition, then approved by voters.
"I cant speak for my colleagues, but I would be willing to give the voters the opportunity to weigh in on it and have that debate,” Paige said.
It's possible the idea could go to the voters as soon as November. But Paige thinks next April is more likely.
That’s when a new mayor and several council seats will be chosen by voters.
