Port Townsend and especially its workers have struggled due to glacial decision making structures. 

Housing remains unsolved, potholes are rampant, and opportunity is stifled by overregulation. We deserve a form of government that empowers the public to elect a leader who takes action.

We, the undersigned residents of Port Townsend respectfully petition the City Council to place on the ballot a charter amendment to transition our city’s governance system.

The change is from council-manager form of government (a strong council, city manager, and weak mayor) to a strong mayor form of government (weak council, no city manager, and strong mayor).

With 10% of the population signing this petition it is obligatory by Washington State law that a ballot vote be cast. With a subsequent vote of over 50% in favor, our governance structure will change.

Why This Change?
 • Direct Accountability: A strong mayor, elected by the people, would answer directly to voters rather than an unelected city manager hired by the council.
 • Efficient Leadership: Executive decision making would streamline city operations, improve responsiveness, and reduce bureaucratic stagnation.
 • Public Representation: This system ensures that the people—not appointed officials—have the final say in our city’s leadership and priorities.

What This Petition Seeks:
 1. A public vote to amend the city charter.
 2. A transition to a strong mayor form of government.
 3. Greater democratic control over city leadership.

By signing below, we affirm our support for putting this measure to a public vote, allowing the people of Port Townsend to decide our city’s future governance through election.

Please sign this petition and share it. Now is the window of opportunity.

RCW  35A.06.040 Abandonment

35A.12 Mayor-council plan of government

35A.13 Council-manager plan of government.

Note: At 156 signatures information came to perfect the language of the petition to cite proper terminology and laws. Edit on March/16/2025