Council rejects proposal of five districts, rotating mayor

By Doug Spoon, Editor

The Menifee City Council on Wednesday rejected a proposal to create a fifth council district and rotate the mayor’s position on an annual basis.

This type of governance structure is used by all surrounding cities. Only Menifee has a separately elected mayor. But even though the mayor’s position is an at-large position, it has no more power than the other four council members; the city manager runs the city.

Menifee incorporated in 2008 with the rotating mayor system, but in 2010 voters approved a switch to four council districts and an at-large mayor. That system was challenged through a 2018 ballot measure but was defeated, leaving the current system in place.

The proposed change was brought forth by council member Bob Karwin.

“This is in no way a reflection of our current mayor,” Karwin said in reference to Bill Zimmerman. “I’m looking down the road 10 or 20 years. This system creates the impression that the mayor acts as the city manager, and that’s not the case. Someone of less moral value could take advantage of the situation.”

Karwin acknowledged a presentation by city staff that another ballot measure on this issue would likely cost the city about $30,000. In addition, the cost of re-drawing the council districts would cost another $64,000. Other council members did not support the idea.

“In 2018 when this came up, I was out knocking on doors,” said council member Dean Deines. “What I heard was that voters like it the way it is. I think it’s unnecessary to go against what the residents voted for.”

Council member Lesa Sobek said she believed there is a lack of understanding among residents about who really runs the city.

“Looking into the future, five districts would be really nice,” she said. “But we need to educate the residents that we do have a city manager, that council members all have one vote, and that the mayor’s position is ceremonial.”

In the current form of government, only the city manager and city attorney are hired by the City Council, with all five members having an equal vote. The city manager does all the hiring and firing of other positions and manages the day-to-day operations of the city.

Karwin said he was concerned that as the population of Menifee grows, the cost of campaigning for the at-large mayor’s position could become prohibitive for some and that “I’m concerned that somebody comes in with a huge bankroll and tries to take advantage of the situation. This change would guard against that because there would be just a one-year term.”

Zimmerman said he sees good in both sides of the issue but that “to me, I like it the way it is. I would hate to ask the voters the same question again. It has been affirmed and reaffirmed, and to ask again is disrespectful.”

Karwin responded by saying “I’m not interesting in burdening the taxpayers for something they don’t want” and that “I’m not looking to force this issue.” Ultimately, the issue was tabled.