The eastern suburb of 14,000 people has had the same leader for 32 years - 8 term mayor Beryl Rothchild.
MAYOR BERYL ROTHCHILD: "I've been re-elected many times, so I have to believe they're not unhappy..."
Term limits enacted in the 90's will force her retirement this year; and some city leaders thought this an opportune time to examine amending the city charter, possibly hiring a city manager, or administrator - in place of a mayor.
Council member Frank Consolo says he original idea was to create more efficiency at City Hall.
COUNCIL MEMBER FRANK CONSOLO: "We are in such dire times right now, that we need somebody who has this type of training, who could come in and put things in place to help us get more dollars for our city."
But Rothchild feels a systemic change places administrative power where it can't be controlled.
MAYOR ROTHCHILD: "The council would become in charge of everything - do you really want that? I don't think so. You have to have one person you can hold accountable - you can't have seven people be held accountable."
So Rothchild called a special residential meeting for tonight, to explain her position.
Council members argue that the mayor; who originally requested the charter review commission, then vetoed the measure to authorize it; is stirring up trouble. Rothchild says she personally gains nothing, and is acting in the town's best interest.
Regardless the outcome - charter amendments must be approved by voters, and the earliest that could happen would be November.... the same ballot that will put a new mayor in office, for at least the next four years.
Rick Jackson,
90.3.
