Cheyenne Mayor Rick Kaysen says he won't take a position on a proposal to change Cheyenne's city government so that an appointed administrator, rather than an elected mayor would make most day to day decisions.

The mayor does say, however, that such a change could cost money. He says most city administrators make salaries in the range of $150,000 per year. Kaysen says in most cases there is also an assistant administrator hired as well.

The mayor says the city administrator idea has twice before been rejected by Cheyenne voters, most recently in the 1970s, adding 'these proposals always seem to come forward before an election".

But he says in the end it's up to local voters whether to change the city government.

The Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce has gotten behind the idea of a City Administrator who would be appointed by the Cheyenne City Council. Under that idea there would still be an elected mayor, but his or her duties would be greatly diminished.

Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dale Steenbergen says supporters believe a city administrator would lead to a more efficient and cost-effective city government.

Opponents of the measure dislike the idea of having an appointed official who doesn't answer to the voters in charge of city decisions. Some critics also argue the administrator would be little more than a "yes man" (or "yes woman") for the city council.

 

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