Residents urge elected mayor; councilists agree to schedule community hearing on May ballot question

Three Sweet Home residents used the public comment period to urge the City Council to let voters elect the mayor rather than have the council appoint the position.

Don Miller, a resident and self-identified "chief petitioner," said the proposal is "not being rushed" and described years of local committee review on the issue. "All I'm asking is for you guys to see the people want a chance to have their voices heard. What better way than in the ballot box?" Miller said.

David Lohman told the council elected officials should include the mayor on the ballot. "I feel that we need the people want to elect the mayor, not appoint by seven people the position," Lohman said, adding that placing the question on a May ballot would give the city more than a year to define the mayor's responsibilities.

Theresa Howard said she had spoken with dozens of residents while running the local thrift store and that "the mayor should be elected by the majority of the people." She said the change had been discussed in Sweet Home for more than two decades.

A councilor said four members gave consensus to put the topic on the next meeting's agenda so community members could present their views about placing the mayor on the May ballot. The motion to add community comment on the next meeting agenda was described in council remarks as a scheduling decision to hear public testimony; no formal ordinance or ballot measure was adopted at the meeting.

The public comments and the council's decision to schedule a community discussion follow earlier public and committee conversations referenced by speakers; several residents and councilors said the topic has been discussed for years. The council did not take a formal vote to change how the mayor is chosen during this meeting; instead, members agreed to hear more input at an upcoming council session.