With the date set for May 19 on the vote to change our form of government, islanders need to learn about the proposed council-manager form. Over the coming weeks there will be three community meetings (the first on April 9) and many neighborhood coffees.

The broad-based citizen initiative to change our form of government asks us to consider a better form of government to guide us into the future.

Why have so many cities chosen to organize themselves this way? To use our local example, the small town of Winslow, with limited responsibilities, has grown since 1993 to what is still a small town, but with enormous responsibilities. The mayor’s role has grown from citizen representative to chief operating officer. And right now our small city is in the midst of a fiscal crisis. One of the roles of a certified professional manager is to enable cities of our size to align our priorities with our revenues.

Please take advantage of the upcoming opportunities – visit votecm’09.com for dates and times. Our community needs to be well-informed for this decision. It is time for the city to move forward. We need to choose the most efficient, effective form of government to serve a city of our size and needs – now and in the future.

Elise Wright, member

VOTE Council-Manager ‘09