Just over from the offices of Commissioners Erik Sten and Randy Leonard: a memo challenging Mayor Potter’s proposed ballot language for the form of government change that will head to voters in May.

“It is our belief that the ballot language proposed for the change in the form of our city government is, at a minimum, unclear about the magnitude of the change,” the memo reads. “The language proposed does not adequately reflect the significance of the changes you are proposing, and therefore, is likely to mislead voters. While we have differences about the substance of the proposals, we certainly all agree that ballot language coming from the City should set a high standard for clarity.”

The changes Sten and Leonard are proposing aim to more clearly spell out the new, more empowered role of the mayor. For instance, in the top title—or “caption”—which reads “Amends City Charter: Changes Form of Government,” Sten and Leonard have added “increases Mayor’s authority.”

Sten and Leonard have rewritten most of the summary as well. The mayor’s version said:

Currently, the executive and legislative branches of the City’s government are combined. The Mayor and each Council member manage several departments and vote on legislation. This measure gives the Mayor executive and administrative authority over City functions and gives the Council legislative and quasi-judicial authority, including adoption of the budget, strategic plans and oversight over the management of City functions through committees, hearings and investigations. As in the current form of government, the Mayor is a voting member of Council with no veto power.

Sten and Leonard’s version:

This measure changes the form of the City’s government to consolidate executive and administrative authority with the Mayor and the Chief Administrative Officer. Currently, the City Council and the Mayor share in managing the executive, administrative, and legislative functions of the City. This measure would give the Mayor and the Chief Administrative Officer exclusive authority over executive and administrative functions, and limit the Council’s responsibility to exclusively legislative and quasi-judicial functions. As in the current form of government, the Mayor would remain a voting member of the Council.

Spot the differences? It’s largely a matter of framing. Should the ballot language spell out what the city council can do? Or should it list the ways in which city council’s power is diminished?

Interestingly, the ballot title says the changes will become effective on January 1, 2009, which is the first time I’ve seen that date attached to the changes.

Update: But don’t take my word for it. Here’s a pdf of the memo. Also, as b!x pointed out, Potter’s charter language for all four recommendations can be found here.