Citizens in Charge

Federal Way voters had just one local ballot proposition during the Nov. 5 general election.

Passing with nearly 76 percent of the vote, Proposition No. 1 will restrict the submission of all citizen initiative petitions to the general elections because the voter participation is historically higher at general elections, and to avoid the added expense of a special election.

Read more: here

In a 6-to-1 vote, the city council chose Sept. 15 to oppose Proposition One ”” the ballot measure that would allow Federal Way residents to elect their own mayor. The council is allowed, by law, to discuss upcoming ballot measures using city property only during a process in which it takes a formal position toward the measure. During a public hearing, city attorney Pat Richardson gave a presentation on the changes an elected mayor would bring. Representatives from each side of the issue were granted 10 minutes to explain their position. Twenty-one citizens spoke publicly.