State Representative Carl Rogers who sponsored the bills in the House confirms the bills cleared the Senate Friday morning. At present, the Gainesville mayor's post is rotated every two years among member of the city council and the school board chair is appointed by other members of that board.
This is not the first time that changing the method of choosing the city's mayor has been discussed but renewed interest surfaced late last year during a meeting between the mayor and council and Rogers and other state legislators who represent Hall County.
Council members have been cool to the idea.
Bob Hamrick, who has served on the council for 40 years, said last month the current system works well. Council members also say they are afraid the elected mayor system could affect how council members are elected as well.
Rogers introduced the bills several weeks ago and after all members of the local legislative delegation signed off on them.
The non-binding referendums will be on the November city election ballot.
(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)
St. Rep. Carl Rogers
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/4/219260