Providence may be changing its form of government

A change in the Providence form of government could be in the city’s near future. For some time there have been problems in the city that have become public and at time embarrassing. Earlier this year a group was asked to investigate the problems and attempt to come up with a solution.

Providence City councilmember John Drew said the group recommended the change to a city manager form of government, which is something Drew says he supports.

“We, as a city, have grown,” said Drew on <a href=”http://610kvnu.com/assets/podcaster/324/2016_04_08_324_43564_2867.mp3″ target=”_blank”>KVNU’s For the People program Thursday</a>. “We have different needs, different demands. Personally, I am looking forward to this because I want to see the mayor freed up, to be someone who has the time and focus on seeking input from the community, working with community groups, promoting the city, and changing this image around.

“That’s the whole goal. It won’t happen over night, it will take time. This change to form of government is not going to happen over night. We’re going to have some adjustment pains.”

Not all members of the council support the recommendation and a decision must be unanimous before the new form of government can take affect. Chad Checketts, an independent business consultant who created the proposed ordinance, said most cities of the size of Providence now have a city manager.

The ordinance requires just over 500 signatures to get on the ballot in November and the deadline for signatures is April 15.

A public meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 12 at Providence Elementary School where both sides of the issue will be discussed.

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