In 2001 a group
of citizens in Sandusky, Ohio tried to change the city government to a
mayor/ward system. This site tells about that election. The site remains for others to use for research or to learn
what can happen in their own fight for change.
Sanduskians
for Mayor/Ward 2001
"A mayor form and ward
system basically provides more direct participation from the citizens. The
government becomes more proactive, more goal-oriented, because there's basically
a voter referendum every four years on the city's leadership." - Kevin
Zeiher
"The ward system identifies
a person with a particular area of town, and he'll be more responsible to those
people in that area." - Dannie Edmon
The
Chief executive officer of the city is one who is directly elected by
the people. Mayor-ward form of government is more goal oriented and
proactive in problem solving due to every four years there is
essentially a referendum on leadership
More
responsive to the citizens of the community
Provides
for a better check and balance system of local government by
providing for separate but equal elected branches of government (better
ideas surface where there is open and public input as to agendas and
proposals on issues affecting the city)
Promotes
finding consensus on issues and is more representative of the interests
of the total community
Establishes
increased accountability - Stops the "passing of the buck"
as to who is responsible for executing the laws and policies of the city
Citizen
involvement and access to the political process will be enhanced
by providing person to person interaction between residents and
councilpersons living in and elected from their prospective wards.
2001
