Whatcom County Charter Series:

Balancing the Scales of County Government

By Hannah Ordos, Future 42 Director and Charter Commissioner

Imagine a county government where the people elected to represent you are expected to

County Courthouse

oversee spending, craft legislation, and advocate for their communities—yet must do it all with barely any independent support. This November, Whatcom County voters will face a pivotal choice among 12 proposed charter amendments, including…

Proposition 1: “Authorizing Council members to Hire Dedicated Aides.” While it may not be the flashiest issue on the ballot, it touches the heart of how effectively your voice is heard in local government—and whether the scales of power are truly balanced.

Our County Executive has a full staff, while the seven part-time Council members, responsible for budget oversight, creating legislation, and guiding long-term planning, operate with only limited independent support. When additional help is needed, it comes through the Executive’s office, leaving the Council dependent on the very branch it is meant to balance. This structure makes it more difficult for council members to fully address the needs of their districts and provide effective oversight of county government.

Proposition 1 would change that by authorizing each councilmember to hire an aide or share one if preferred. These aides would provide research, financial analysis, and technical expertise, giving council members the resources to examine complex issues thoroughly and represent their districts more effectively.

The primary concern is cost, and voters are justified in weighing it carefully. Any new positions must be funded, whether through reallocation of existing dollars, a modest increase, or both. But the potential return is significant: closer scrutiny of taxpayer spending, a stronger balance between the branches of government, and fair access to expertise across all districts.

Ultimately, Proposition 1 asks whether councilmembers should remain reliant on the Executive for staff support or have independent resources to serve their communities directly. At its core, this measure is about whether voters want a Council equipped to question, review, and challenge county decisions with a strong level of professional support that the Executive already enjoys. Strengthening the Council in this way can build public trust, ensure taxpayer money is examined more carefully, and give every district a fairer voice in county government.

About the Author: Hannah Ordos serves as the Future 42 Whatcom County Director and was elected in 2025 to the Whatcom County Charter Review Commission representing District 4.