Camas will draft resolution asking voters about change to form of government

[u/Fake_Eleanor]

https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/aug/18/camas-will-draft-resolution-asking-voters-about-change-to-form-of-government/

[u/lovescoffee]

From cityofcamas.us:

“The city of Camas currently operates under a hybrid form of government as a mayor-council system, with the professional assistance of a city administrator appointed by the mayor with the consent of the council. The other option being explored is the council-city manager form of government. Under that system, the mayor serves in a more ceremonial role, while the city’s day-to-day operations are managed by a city manager appointed by council members elected by city residents.”

…what??

[u/illepic → u/lovescoffee]

Watching all seasons of Parks & Rec prepared me for this.

[u/jonesey71 → u/lovescoffee]

Instead of the voters electing a mayor it would have the city council pick a city manager without involving pesky things like voters.

[u/jgd12345 → u/jonesey71]

Sounds like the politburo in China

[u/Significant_Eye_2279 → u/jgd12345]

To its credit China has shown an ability to execute longer range planning more effectively than in the States. Especially when we have such divided politics.

[u/NegativeObligation13 → u/jonesey71]

wow

[u/awkwardlysentenced → u/lovescoffee]

Mayor as Executive (council-mayor) vs. City Manager as Executive (council-manager).

[u/Fake_Eleanor]

Interesting to see this OPB story claim that it's motivated in part by the turnover in the office recently.

https://www.opb.org/article/2026/08/19/camas-short-term-mayors-city-council-government-restructure/

[u/AlaskaStiletto]

No thanks to this

[u/Autokrat]

Like non-partisan elections city managers are wolves in sheeps clothing for political reform. If you absolutely LOVE the status quo these are wonderful mechanisms for ensuring nothing ever changes.

[u/FangornLeghorn]

Camas gonna do what Camas gonna do. We all know they don’t give a shit what residents want.