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Advocates say elected mayor would provide sustained leadership for big projects
Summary
Rich Gordon, chair of Citizens for an Elected Mayor, told the working session an elected citywide mayor would bring consistent oversight for long multi‑year projects and better intergovernmental advocacy, and asked the working group to put a charter change on the ballot.
Rich Gordon, who identified himself as chair of Citizens for an Elected Mayor, argued the city should maintain district council seats but add a citywide elected mayor. Gordon said district representatives focus on neighborhood issues while a mayor could take a long‑term view of citywide projects. "We need somebody who will help build intergovernmental influence for us because we can't pay for all of this stuff ourselves in this town," he said, listing the airport master plan, convention center renovation and bridges as projects that require sustained leadership.
Gordon acknowledged legal and fiscal questions but said the city could minimize legal risk by preserving districts and pointed to other California cities that have added elected mayors. He estimated the mayor’s compensation at "$88,000 a year" and told the room such costs would be subject to council approval. Gordon recommended a charter amendment and a public vote, saying "Let the people decide. Put this on the ballot."
