CHARLEVOIX — City voters face a myriad of proposals in the November elections, including one that could change the balance of power between the council and future city managers.
Tucked among a dozen initiatives on the Nov. 7 ballot is Proposal Five, which aims to cap contracts of future city managers at three years. It wouldn't impact current City Manager Michael Wiesner, even though it's fallout from an unsuccessful attempt by some council members last fall to fire him.
Council member Sherman Chamberlain said Wiesner's job is "the undercurrent issue" behind Proposal Five.
"There are some (council members) who are not in favor of Mr. Wiesner. There is still potential that he could be terminated," he said. "Then this (Proposal Five) would go into effect."
The proposal would make it easier for council members to oust future managers. There could be no indefinite contracts, meaning a review and new contract at least every three years.
Under Wiesner's indefinite contract, a majority vote is required to oust the city manager. A split, 3 to 3 vote, like the one targeting Wiesner last November, isn't enough. Under Proposal Five, though, a tie vote would mean no new contract, and would end the manager's tenure.
It's a small but important distinction, said council member Gabe Campbell, who supports the proposal.
"If a city manger is doing a good job, he won't have a problem getting a council to reaffirm (a contract)," said Campbell.
Chamberlain opposes the proposal and said it would make future city managers too susceptible to council politics.
"It's going to lead to us having a city manager who is not taking initiative on anything that might change the community," he said.
"Instead, the city manger would be more likely to keep his ear close to the political winds. In three years, you better make four of the six councilmen happier, or else you're out of a job."
