City of Pensacola voters have decided to abandon the present Council-Manager form of government in favor of a Strong Mayor form of government.

           Voters overwhelmingly approved the change by a 55 to 44 percent vote. A total of 7,762 voters chose the change in the city charter, while 6,308 residents voted to keep the present form.

           The change in the city charter comes after months of study and debate over the city’s form of government.

           Supporters of the new charter claimed that the present Council-Manager government of more than 70 years has failed to produce the kind of dynamic, aggressive type of government that is needed to produce economic growth. They believe a Strong Mayor---who has virtually complete administrative power—will be the foundation of economic improvement. Opponents warned that a Strong Mayor could lead to big city-type government corruption.

           The switch to the Strong Mayor will take place in 2010 when members of the City Council and the Mayor come up for election.