Binghamton Lawmakers to Discuss Moving to City Manager Government
A Binghamton resident is proposing a big change in how the city is run with a call for adopting a council-manager form of government.
John Solak, who lives on the West Side, submitted a request for legislation that he says would "streamline City Hall."
Solak is proposing a change to the City Charter to turn day-to-day governmental operations to a professional manager. A charter change could only occur if it was approved in a voter referendum.
During a council work session Monday evening, Solak said Ithaca and Batavia operate with a city manager form of government. Ithaca's first city manager started work last January.
Solak said city council could hire an experienced professional to oversee the government. He said the position of mayor could be retained, although the job would be "largely ceremonial" under the council-manager setup.
Solak said "you'll pay a city manager more but you'll have less overhead." He told WNBF News a manager could devote his or her time "to running the city without being concerned about future elections and political contributions."
Solak said there are many qualified people "who would love to manage the City, but never would consider running for political office." He said council would hold the city manager accountable.
Lawmakers voted to move the proposal to council's municipal and public affairs committee for discussion.
Mayor Jared Kraham did not respond to an email request for comment on the proposed charter change.
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.
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