In response to Bob Burkholder’s thoughtful letter (“It’s about people, not system we use,” April 24), I respectfully suggest that a great deal has changed since the island became a city and we chose a mayor-based model of government. Our population has grown, the economy is quite different, and the volume and scope of community and legal issues has increased exponentially.

Over the years, the island has been blessed with intelligent, hard working, well-informed people of goodwill who made fine mayors.

Today, however, we are faced with thorny, complex problems that are not easily resolved with amateur skills. A professional city manager brings specific skills, directly applicable experience and a network of supportive professional relationships to assist in problem solving.

A city manager who is not from the island will also be free of social relationship pressures. A manager who is hired by the city council is accountable to the council.

In my opinion, Bainbridge will be better served now and in the years to come by such a professional.

Ann Lovejoy

Bainbridge Island