Mayor Kevin Johnson is proposing a June ballot measure to overhaul the city's constitution, a plan that is expected to include a strong mayor initiative and a proposal to create an independent redistricting commission.
Johnson will ask the City Council at a Jan. 17 meeting to place the measure on the June ballot.
The mayor requested that council discussion at the end of Tuesday's City Council meeting. He said his supporters have drafted the language for the plan and asked City Attorney Eileen Teichert to analyze the proposal.
"I think there are a lot of people who have been talking about this topic," the mayor said.
The mayor and his aides have debated recently whether to seek placing the measure on the June ballot, or wait for the November general election. By asking the council to place the measure on the ballot, Johnson is seeking to avoid a signature drive.
The strong mayor portion of the plan will resemble a proposal made last year by Johnson.
Under the plan, the mayor would propose the city budget, appoint and fire the city manager and department heads, and have some veto authority over City Council actions. Budget and appointment powers now mostly reside with an unelected city manager.
In return, the City Council would approve the budget, confirm mayoral appointments and have authority to hire and fire the city treasurer, attorney, clerk and auditor. A ninth council seat and a council president would also be created.
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