We said it before, we’ll say it again.
What we need around here is some good ol’-fashioned quality control.
Let’s face it, folks, leadership of our beloved Froggy Bottom isn’t exactly populated by the best and the brightest. There are some exceptions. They shine through like verdant tropical islands in a cesspool. But rather than name names, let’s take a longer view.
What can we do to solve the problem? What would it take to attract talent to run for elected office?
One caveat. Being in the public eye is rough and tumble right out of the box. Every personal detail is subject to intense scrutiny. Every decision is criticized, every vote subject to intense pressure. Public office isn’t for everyone.
But surely it isn’t just for whackadoos and the chronically unemployed, either. As Toledo City Council considers proposed changes to the City Charter, here are some structural changes that would really make a difference in that public body.
1. Reduce the size of city council from twelve to nine. This was proposed once before, in the ill-fated “Nine is Fine” initiative rejected by voters. But that proposal didn’t go far enough, because it wasn’t coupled with the other ideas offered here. A smaller number of seats could result in a better winnowing of the chaff from the wheat. But the former proposal kept a district structure and eliminated at-large seats. Instead we would:
2. Eliminate districts and make all city council seats at-large. The current structure with district seats means council members can get elected from districts with extremely low voter turnout. Some current members got only a few thousand votes to win. This allows chuckleheads with name recognition, or a large family, to sneak in. Districts supposedly ensure diversity. But half of the current at-large members are African American, so diversity should not be a problem.
3. Ensure continuity by making terms six years, staggered every two years. Current structure allows for massive turnover in council membership, as fully half of council is elected every two years. Of current council members, only three of twelve have served six or more consecutive years. The steepness of the council learning curve has left large holes in council competence. We’d prefer that no council member be left behind. The new structure would elect three of nine every two years, ensuring that turnover would be slow. With better quality, that would be a good thing.
4. Head-to-head races. Currently, all at-large seats are elected from a pool of candidates. The top six vote-getters win, no matter how few votes the number six finisher receives. The new structure, where only three are elected at a time, should include making the terms start a day apart, such that each seat is unique. Candidates would have to target a specific seat, allowing for a primary that cuts the field to two and a head-to-head battle for each seat in the general election. Top candidates could target their opponents. Weak incumbents would be more likely to get picked off. Like the sickly white-tailed deer being culled from the herd by wolves.
5. Eliminate artificial term limits. Allowing high-quality Toledoans to seek a career in public service is essential. If quality improves, and races are more competitive, terms should only be ended democratically, by the vote of the people. This helps with continuity, too. One last way to ensure the requisite level of quality, and a council we can believe in?
6. Make council service a full-time job, with commensurate pay. A smaller number of council members could be paid better without busting the budget. Make the job attractive and we’ll attract better candidates. Good pay, with the possibility of long tenure, will help entice the best and brightest to enter leadership. Better council members deserve to be compensated accordingly.
That’s our six-point plan for a city council of accomplished, competent leaders to move the city forward. Anything less? The brickhead brigade we already gots.
Next in our sights. Charter changes for the office of mayor! Stay tuned!
