DEAR EDITOR:

I strongly support the initiative Marietta Mayor Steve Tumlin proposed this week to involve citizens in a “city charter review committee” to evaluate possible changes to the rules of our local government entities and elected officials. It can begin with a committee, may include a non-binding referendum so the opinion of all can be heard, and if any changes are to be made conclude with action taken by the Cobb Delegation and the Georgia General Assembly.

As the mayor and others have suggested, some important topics to consider include term limits, number of wards, the powers of the mayor (to have a vote, not just a veto), “at large” council members, the DMDA and school board. Of course there will be differences of opinion on what if any changes should be made and why.

Whatever an individual’s opinion (either among the public or city council) about any particular issue, I believe having a process to determine what if anything the people as a whole believe should be changed is far more important than the outcome, whatever it may be. Our elected officials should welcome input from the people and serve their will.

Steve Imler
Marietta