I do not support a strong mayor system in Yakima.

Currently, several members of city council are exploring the idea of changing our system to a “strong mayor” system. This would shift the power towards one elected mayor which would run “at large”. The ACLU, sued the city of Yakima and won in 2013. This lawsuit cost taxpayers 3 million dollars. ACLU staff attorney Breanne Schuster noted, “The court’s findings apply equally to any citywide election, whether it is for City Council or mayor.” This would potentially lead to very costly litigation at the taxpayer’s expense.