Johnson calls for manager, larger City Council

New press release from Republican mayoral hopeful Ken Johnson:

Ken Johnson the Republican nominee for Mayor of the City of Bristol, today unveiled his second reform plank in the area of government reform. Johnson is making a push to make government more accountable to the people of Bristol.
Johnson will formally ask the Charter Revision Commission to amend the charter to include a City Manager-Council form of government. Under these provisions the Mayor’s position will most likely be a ceremonial position and an experienced person would be hired to run the day-to-day activities of government.
“Bristol is a multi million dollar corporation and the time has come to select an individual who can manage this city as a business without any regard to a political agenda,” Johnson continued “It is only proper that the voters of Bristol have an opportunity to vote on their form a government, politicians can have their opinions, but the voters should have the final say.”
In addition, Johnson will ask the Charter Revision Commission to put an initiative on the ballot to expand the council to nine members. Currently, the council is represented by six voters from three different council districts. Johnson will ask the Charter panel to make the city council elected citywide or what is known as “At-Large.”
“I defy anyone one currently active in city government to pick any street in the city and ask those residents which council district that they belong in,” Johnson added “City Councilors represent Bristol and not just districts, with the addition of a city manager all Bristol electors should be able to elect their city council members.”
The Republican nominee will also propose that all Council terms will be for a four-year period. “It takes a good year to get the feel of your position, and than you are up for re-election. A four-year term will ensure that we will have more time to govern and less time politicking,” Johnson said.
Under this provision the City of Bristol would have guaranteed multi-party representation on the City Council. “This would also guarantee that Bristol would have a diversity of opinions and views on the city council, Johnson added “Increasing the City Council to nine members would also reduce the workload for members of the Council.” Johnson believes that some residents do not seek a seat on the city council because of the time commitment involved and the amount of time they spend away from their families.
“With so many items on their plates it a wonder that it takes forever to complete a project,” Johnson concluded “We need to strive to elect and recruit the best possible candidates for municipal office, and this proposal would do just that.”


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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com