Does Decatur Need or Want More Accountable City Government
In Decatur, the City Manager is unelected to his position and yet has the legal responsibility of "chief executive officer". The Mayor has virtually no legal authority to run the city government. Truly a figurehead. The six member Council is elected at large.
Are they effectively representing the interests of the community. Some say yes and some say no. What do you say.
The advocates of Decatur's current form of government and current leaders point to recent "successes":
- Rebuilding West Main Street
- Wabash Crossing & Hope Academy
- Mound Center
- Rebuilding The Transfer House
- Farm Progress Show
- The New Downtown Building at 300 North Water
The Critics that call for ChangeDecatur point to decades of flawed decisions including:
- Wabash Crossing & Hope Academy
- The New Building at 300 North Water
- Rebuilding West Main Street
- Rebuilding The Transfer House
- Population Declines
- Job Losses
Several recent issues are crystalizing concerns with the effectiveness of local government. One was the attempt and willingness of the City Council to propose raising water rates 59 PERCENT over two years and the decision to buy The Former Holiday Inn.
What do you think? Do you think a different form of government would make a difference. The city and its leaders need to hear from you. Write a letter to the editor or contact an elected official. Tell us what you think.
Do you want ChangeDecatur?
