2006 Seattle Elections

General Elections Voters' Guide

Chrtr Am 9-Auditor Appointer and Length of Term - Statement Against and Rebuttal

Statement Against Charter Amendment No. 9

This amendment could compromise the independence of the City Auditor from political pressures. A four-year term puts the auditor on the same cycle as the election cycle of the Councilmembers who appoint her/him. For at least the last year or two, there could be pressure on an Auditor who seeks reappointment to avoid issues that may be politically uncomfortable for members of the Council. A six-year term gives more independence from this political cycle, and was chosen for that reason.

The appointed Auditor was created in the 1990’s to replace the City Treasurer and Comptroller, who were independently elected officials who monitored and reviewed the performance of the Mayor and Council. The State of Washington has an independently elected Auditor. While the Auditor is chosen by the Council, s/he is given a fixed term to preserve as much independence as possible. Reducing the term to four years reduces that independence.

As a Councilmember, I want the Auditor to be a fearless critic who can take on investigations without fear or favor. Even this modest reduction in independence would be a mistake.

STATEMENT SUBMITTED BY: Richard Conlin, Seattle City Councilmember

Rebuttal of Statement Against

Is the independence of the Auditor enhanced or reduced by this ballot measure?

The amendment does two things: (1) requires a majority of Council, rather than the Finance Committee Chair, to appoint the Auditor; and (2) creates a four - rather than six-year term.

The argument that a four-year term puts the Auditor on the same cycle as Council is flawed. This cycle is subject to change for a variety of causes. The 2005 resignation of Councilmember no. 9 forces two back-to-back elections for this seat—in 2006 and in 2007. In addition, the Auditor’s independence is enhanced by requiring appointment by a majority of Council. If this individual were inclined to respond to political pressure, a single person—the Finance Chair—could exert extraordinary pressure. The selection by entire Council of an Auditor of great personal integrity—such as the incumbent—protects against political pressures. This measure should be supported.

STATEMENT SUBMITTED BY: Gail Chiarello, Progressive Democratic Caucuses of Washington 46th District (PDCW46), P. O. Box 51164, Seattle, WA 98115. E-mail gailchiarello@comcast.net