Vote 'yes' on Tampa city charter amendment about council creating standing boards

Opponents of this charter amendment say that it gives council too much power and dismantles Tampa’s strong mayor form of government, but that’s not the case.

As council has pointed out in long discussion, the current charter language—which gives council the authority to create standing boards and ad hoc committees “upon the recommendation or with the approval of the mayor”—could stand to be more specific. This change would make it so mayoral approval is only necessary for ad hoc committees.

What’s more is that the mayor would still have veto power over a standing board created by council.

There’s always more room for checks and balances—and word towards a consensus—in local government. Vote yes on the charter amendment about city council creating standing boards.

See the ballot language below.

Amendment to Tampa Charter Section 9.01 Regarding the Creation of Standing Boards

Shall the amendment to section 9.01 of the Tampa Charter, clarifying that standing boards shall be created by the city council by ordinance
without requiring the mayor’s recommendation, as set out and proposed by City of Tampa Ordinance No. 2023-1, be ratified and approved:

See all of CL's endorsements and charter amendment recommendations here.