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Mr. MacDonald presented his report (SR 86:45) dated January 29, 1986, regarding this matter. Ms. Sabina Hart, 3955 Vineyard Avenue, stated she felt because of the growth and population and the tremendous responsibilities in the City of Pleasanton that the citizens should be able to choose the Mayor, as in other cities. Ms. Andrea Pardeau, 3955 Vineyard Avenue, #1, stated she has lived in Pleasanton for 2-1/2 years and she felt because of the growth that the resi- dents should be able to vote for a Mayor. Mr. Robert Cordtz, 262 W. Angela,'stated he likes the present system of the City Council selecting the Mayor. Mr. Jack Hovingh, 4250 Muirwood, stated he felt it is in the best inter- ests of everyone to preserve the status quo. He suggested that a policy be established that would allow a Councilmember to serve only one one-year term as Mayor out of his four year term as Councilmember; stating this would allow a broader spectrum. Mayor Brandes read a letter from Warren R. Harding, former Mayor (1960-62 and 1966-68) urging Council to reject the proposal for a directly mayor and to continue rotating the mayor every two years as has been our long accepted policy. Councilmember Wood stated he is not interested in becoming Mayor, but felt the electorate should have a bigger say in the selection of a mayor, there- fore, he favors placing this matter on the ballot for the citizens to decide. Councilmember Butler stated he agrees with former Mayor Warren Harding;' the City has had good experience with the present system. Because other cit- ies have elected mayors does not mean that Pleasanton has to do the same thing. He stated that in cities that have elected mayors he has observed that in almost every case there is more influence or power associated with the position; it does raise the position of mayor higher than other councilmem- bers. In the City's present system all councilmembers are equal. He stated it is also inevitable that a popular mayor becomes difficult to challenge. He stated the position of mayor is a lot of hard work and he felt it is good to have a turn-over every year. He concluded by stating he does not feel the position of mayor should be a separate office. Mayor Brandes stated he concurs with Councilmember Butler. He stated he felt Councilmembers have made good choices for a mayor in the past, in that mayors have served at times when it was best for their leadership. He advised that the complexities of city government are becoming more complicated all the time. If a mayor is elected by the people it may be someone who is unfamiliar with the background of city government and does not have the depth of knowledge or experience as a person presently serving on Council. He felt the system of having the mayor selected by Councilmembers is appropriate; this system has worked well in the past. He stated it is an extra challenge to be mayor; one has to have the vote of the public who elected the Councilmember as well as the other Councilmembers. He stated he did not feel it is in the best interests of Pleasanton to have an elected mayor. - 9 - 2-4-86