District 5: Peter Rickett

Your Top Three Priorities

    1.Recommend consideration of an elected Mayor.
    2. All councilors elected as district councilors.
    3. The creation of a full seat on the School Board to be filled by the standing Mayor

Please list prior applicable experience:

    Portland City Council 1995-98, At-Large

What do you hope to accomplish as part of the commission?

    I hope to more closely tie the citizens of Portland to their Mayor and vice versa. As an elected position, A Mayor would be required to formulate a vision for the City and a plan to accomplish that vision. The position would provide a higher level of leadership and accountability and a focal point for the citizens of Portland who must know try and interpret the thoughts and direction of a leaderless committee.

What do you see as issues within the current structure of city government?

    Currently the Mayor can come from any of the 5 districts or at-large. They may have been elected by a few as 200 voters. The only qualification required to be the Mayor is that they simply wait for their turn. If a citizen is unhappy with the performance of the local government they must wait years to have a voice in the majority of council seats, there is virtually no accountability and no requirements of vision or leadership.

What are you thoughts on the 1986 charter report? What prior issues would be the most helpful for the current Commission to consider?

    There was clearly a voice towards more accountability and participation. Moving district election into districts was a success that should be followed through on. Elections have now moved to November and participation is higher. Overall it was a success in the modest amount of change it took on.

What other city charters have you examined? How would it inform your approach to analyzing our city’s charter?

    As a member of ICMA, the International City/County Management Association, I have read a number of studies and publications regarding forms of municipal governments. Many cities are struggling with the very same topics. I think bringing the best of both forms of government (Mayor-Council and Council-Manager) is possible.

Would you support an elected mayor? If no, why not?

    Yes, The Mayor’s office should be filled by popular vote in a City-wide election. This is not advocating a change in forms of government from our Council/Manager to a Mayor/Council but rather to more closely tie the Mayor’s office to the interests and values of the citizens of Portland. The office of Mayor may have stronger powers than present but would still work with and rely upon a full time professional City Manager.

What parts of the current city charter do you feel are antiquated?

    Many sections should be revisited such but I would not identify any as "antiquated".

Would you consider re-districting the City of Portland? Why and how?

    Yes, as stated preveiously I would suport expanding to 6 districts and elimintaing the at-large seats.

Would you modify the current relationship between the school committee and city council?

    Yes, I would like to see the Mayor have a seat on the School Committee.

What role do you think the charter commission should play to educate the public on changes made to the city charter?

    The Charter Commission is ultimately the sponsor of any proposed changes and should fill the role of advocate for those changes. Many citizens would not have the benefit of the discussion and knowledge of the commission and deserve adequate background information to make an informed opinion.

What role is the charter commission for public engagement during the process of re-examining the charter?

    The charter commission should be required to seek out public input and commentary throughout the process. All items up for consideration by the commission should publicized and open meetings in each district should take place prior to any commission vote.

What else would you like to add?

    2. Recommend consideration that all City Councilors be elected as district Councilors. The number of districts be expanded to 6 and the Mayor’s vote would break all ties.
    3. Recommend consideration for the creation of a full seat on the School Board to be filled by the standing Mayor.