03-19-24 Another look

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The city of Fremont is currently organized as a general law city that follows state law governing its structure. While allowing some flexibility, other cities, especially those with large populations, have opted for another form of government. When organized as a charter city, roles of the mayor, councilmembers and city manager can be adjusted to accommodate the complexities of size, population diversity and civic demands.

Currently, Fremont is the largest city in the state to operate as a general law city. While a city with a smaller population may effectively govern under these rules, it may be time for Fremont to reassess.

In the past, the question of creating a charter for the city has been considered and rejected by a narrow margin. The population of the city was much smaller at that time. More recent consideration of a ballot measure to ask Fremont voters for their preference was met by stiff staff resistance and failed to advance. However, continuing population growth and council size and organization have changed significantly.

The only member of the Fremont city council subject to vote by the entire electorate is the mayor; other council members are elected by districts.

Council composition and revelations about a prior city manager and sales tax difficulties raise a question of council responsibility. At present, the mayor is one of seven votes. Direct administrative responsibility is vested in the city manager subject to council approval. Fremont residents have no direct impact on this highly paid and powerful position. A charter would allow the mayor to become a direct conduit to city administration with an expanded role. The city manager would become an executive administrative assistant subject to the mayor’s authority. Voters would have a direct impact, through elections, recall or other political remedies. If significant issues of impropriety or poor decisions arise, they can be addressed through one office subject to voter approval, not a group of politicians pointing fingers at one another.

There are valid arguments on both sides of this issue, but it deserves to be opened to public scrutiny again. A commission, limited to six months, comprised of residents, business owners and government representatives should be formed to review past charter city efforts, other charter cities, advantages and disadvantages of a charter for the present and future.

It’s time for Fremont to take another look at a charter.

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