Little Rock passes measure to make mayor full-time with veto power

Earlier this year, the legislature enacted Act 689 (introduced by Rep. David Johnson) to authorize an election in a municipality with a city manager form of government to increase the authority of the mayor. Such an election was held yesterday in Little Rock, and it passed by 61% of the vote. Assuming a federal lawsuit filed last week is not successful, Mayor Mark Stodola's salary will go from $36,000 to about $160,000, and he will have veto power on the 10-member Little Rock Board of Directors. In addition, the mayor will have these additional powers:

• The authority to hire and fire the city manager and city attorney — with the board's approval. The board would also still conduct annual evaluations of the city manager and city attorney. Currently, the board can hire and fire those positions by a majority vote.

• The ability to fill vacancies on city boards and commissions — again with the board's approval, and after consulting with the respective ward representative and at-large city directors.

• The responsibility of preparing the city's budget with the city manager. The city manager would still administer the budget.

• Oversight of the city manager. According to the ballot language, the city manager would perform his duties under state law “at the direction of the mayor.”

Some saw this election as a way to modernize Little Rock's municipal government, while others saw it as an effort to diminish the popular and effective Little Rock City Manager Bruce Moore. I worked with Bruce on the Clinton/Gore '96 reelection campaign -- great guy and great leader. He also makes $160,000 annually. Here are complete but unofficial election results.