Letter to the Editor: Voters Should Educate Themselves on Charter Vote

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Lewis County voters will see an Initiative on their November ballots related to charter home rule. I encourage all voters to educate themselves about this important issue before they cast their vote. 

Lewis County currently operates under the commission form of government. It is a basic structure set forth in the Washington State Constitution. But, there is an alternative, also authorized by our state Constitution, called the “Charter Home Rule” form of government. It permits counties to govern themselves with more flexibility to consider their local needs and visions. 

But a change to the charter form of governing requires voter approval — hence this ballot Initiative. So far, seven counties have taken advantage and approved the charter home rule option: Clallam, Clark, King, Pierce, San Juan, Snohomish and Whatcom. 

What will the voters in November be asked to decide? There will actually be two related issues on the ballot. (1) Should Lewis County take advantage of the home rule charter? And, (2) Which candidate (freeholder) do you wish to represent your sub-district and become part of a group representing each of the 15 sub-districts. 

I believe that if the home rule charter Initiative passes and the freeholders are put in place, we will have a very unique historical opportunity. First of all, it will allow for a thorough and independent citizen review of all aspects of Lewis County government by the 15 freeholders. After that review, there will be an opportunity to initiate change. 

Many potential restructuring ideas have already been circulated. Should some of our county officials continue to be elected or should they be appointed? Should those positions that are elected be partisan or non-partisan? Should the number of commissioners be increased or stay the same? Should elected term limits be considered? How should elected salaries be determined? Should the positions be full time or part time? The current commission form of government does not permit these significant changes, but the charter form does.

Changes may be warranted to improve efficiency, effectiveness and accountability in providing services to the public, or there may be no justification to change anything. We just can’t know until we go through the process. Without educating voters as to what they are really voting on in November, I fear that this important opportunity will be lost simply due to misunderstanding, confusion or just plain voter apathy. 



Therefore, I would encourage any and all local service groups/clubs, political action committees, places of worship, economic development interests, Chambers of Commerce, port commissions, tourism promoters, etc., to research this topic themselves and promote the information to their members, and the communities they serve, between now and November.

We really have nothing to lose in passing the initiative, as the freeholders themselves are volunteers. A great opportunity will be lost if the measure fails to pass, as the process will not proceed further. That will be especially sad, if it is because voters are simply unaware of this important opportunity.

Rodger Cool

Morton