The Keizer City Council is moving forward with a proposal to create a new council vice president position, aimed at enhancing leadership continuity and operational efficiency. During a recent work session, council members discussed the role's potential impact, emphasizing its importance in ensuring a clear line of succession within the council.

The proposed vice president would serve as a key leadership figure, stepping in to represent the council at public events when both the mayor and council president are unavailable. Additionally, the vice president would streamline meeting operations by acting as a designated second for routine procedural motions. This change is seen as a way to bolster the council's ability to engage with the community and maintain productivity during meetings.

Council members expressed support for the idea, noting that it could prevent disruptions in leadership and enhance collaboration among council members. One member pointed out that having a vice president could help avoid the confusion of determining who is available to lead when both the mayor and council president are absent.

However, the discussion also revealed concerns about creating a "quasi-executive committee" that could lead to a two-tiered council structure. Some members voiced the importance of maintaining equal participation among all council members in decision-making processes. The proposal will be refined further, with the intention of presenting a finalized version for consideration at the next council meeting.

As the council prepares to vote on the proposed changes, the focus remains on ensuring that the new position aligns with the council's goals of effective governance and community representation.