2 Supervisors Propose That Board Elect Its Chairman

Two members of the Board of Supervisors proposed Tuesday that the chairman and vice chairman be selected by majority vote of the panel, rather than by a system that automatically rotates the posts among incumbents in the five supervisory districts.

In a memo to their colleagues, Supervisors Charles V. Smith and Jim Silva said that the current rotation “does not encourage leadership or a spirit of cooperation and teamwork,” and that the proposed changes would “bring forth fresh debate and ideas.”

Silva, who is scheduled to become chairman next year, said he still wants the job--but only with the backing of his colleagues.

“I believe the chairman should have the support of a majority of his colleagues,” Silva said. “If my fellow board members decide I shouldn’t be chairman, I can live with that. Majority rules in a democracy.”

The chairman runs the weekly board meetings, has a voice in shaping meeting agendas and serves as the county’s representative at major events and functions. The board established the rotation system in 1987, even though most government bodies elect their chair.

Under the current system, Board Chairman William G. Steiner would hand the gavel to Silva in January. The title of vice chairman would go from Silva to Supervisor Todd Spitzer.

The rotation system has long been a hot topic among supervisors. In 1993, then-Supervisor Harriett M. Wieder charged that another supervisor, Roger R. Stanton, attempted to block her from becoming chairwoman by privately floating the idea that he serve a second term as chairman. Stanton denied the allegation.