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Council rejects one charter change but approves a broader ballot question on removal of top appointees
Summary
After a lengthy debate over separation of powers, Santa Fe councilors voted down a proposal to restrict mayoral removals with a 180‑day exception and approved a separate measure sending a proposal to let six councilors suspend or remove the city manager, city attorney and city clerk to the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot.
The City of Santa Fe governing body on Wednesday rejected a proposed charter amendment that would have required council consent before the mayor could remove the city manager, city attorney or city clerk except during the first 180 days of a mayor’s term, but approved a different measure sending a removal-power change to the Nov. 4, 2025 municipal ballot.
Advocates framed both measures as efforts to rebalance power under Santa Fe’s strong-mayor system. “This isn’t about individuals. This is about striking a balance between the legislative and what is forming up to be the executive,” Councilor Pilar Faulkner said during the debate.
Why it matters: The city’s charter and the rules that flow from it determine how power is split between the mayor’s office and the eight-member governing body. Any charter change approved by the council and then by voters would change who can remove senior appointed officials and when — a decision that affects everyday operations, oversight and stability at City Hall.
What the council did: Two related resolutions were before…
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