Ed Fitch

This May, voters in Redmond will have the opportunity to make three revisions to the Redmond city charter. Our charter serves as the foundational governance document of the city. It outlines the principles, structures, and processes of the city’s government.

Oregon law essentially allows city voters to organize their city government as the majority of voters consider best suited to meet the needs of the city. These charter amendments were the results of public conversations as well as deliberations at city council meetings.

Let me explain why I see these amendments to the charter as improvements.

The first charter amendment concerns the term of the mayor. For the elected office of mayor, the amendment would change the term length from two years to four years and establish term limits of eight years (two consecutive terms).

Currently, there are no limitations on the number of consecutive terms a person can be elected to serve as Redmond mayor. If passed, a person would be eligible to be elected to two consecutive terms as mayor. Following two terms, a person would be eligible to be elected to serve as a city councilor or would be required to wait one term before being eligible to be elected for another term as mayor.

Extending the mayor’s term from two years to four years reflects the complexity cities face today. For Redmond, that complexity differs dramatically from 40 years ago when this was first considered to be added to the 1980 charter. This amendment, however, will not become effective until the 2026 election. The reason for that is to disconnect any advantages this amendment would have on me as the current mayor.

The second charter amendment concerns modified term limits for city council members. If the proposed charter amendment is adopted, a person would only be eligible to be elected to two consecutive terms as a city councilor. At that time, they would be ineligible for re-election. Such a person can either be appointed or run for election two years later if they so choose. In other words, it is not a lifetime ban. I believe that pausing service on city council gives a person a better perspective of the community and the relationship between the role of government and his or her role as a private citizen or member of the business community.

The third charter amendment is a prohibition on immediate family members serving on the city council at the same time. Currently, there are no limitations on holding elective office on the same city council with a spouse, domestic partner, parent, or child who is a current mayor or city councilor.

If passed, a person would not be allowed to hold elective office on the same city council with their spouse, domestic partner, parent, or child who is a current mayor or city councilor. The purpose of this amendment is to ensure there are seven independent voices on the council. It is also a reflection that for city approaching 40,000 citizens, it may be more appropriate to cast a wider net for council members.

Through these efforts to improve the city charter, I realize there is no perfect answer or solution. The choice ultimately lies with the voters. I believe these amendments are sensible and appropriate and will be help promote an elected government that can serve all of our residents.

Former mayor George Endicott argues agains the charter changes.