There seems to be a good deal of political maneuvering going on in the Sammamish City Council’s discussion of whether to extend the regular term of the mayor from one year to two.

Prior to the council’s meeting on Dec. 8, councilors read the recommendation of City Attorney Bruce Disend that the City of Sammamish move to elect a new mayor every two years instead of every one, as it is done now, in order to fall in line with the state statute RCW 35A.13.030.

It was felt that 2010 would be an appropriate time to change the mayoral term, as both the position of deputy mayor and mayor will be vacant, with no incumbent for either position.

Though city staff may have assumed the compliance with state law would be a routine matter, several councilors objected, citing the timing of the proposal, and the lack of information on other options for the city.

Councilmember Nancy Whitten, the only current councilmember never to have served as mayor or deputy mayor, pushed for the Disend to research whether the city had any other options aside from moving to a two year term.

“I feel like this is being brought before us without open discussion. I think we need to know what our choices are,” she said. “We’ve been going with a one year term since incorporation, and certainly there are some pros and cons to it.”

Whitten said “the timing is a concern, ahead of a new council.”

In January, first time councilors John James, John Curley and Tom Odell will join the seven-member council.

“You come in for a four year term, and you will have two mayors,” Whitten said. “It very much limits your leadership opportunities.”

Councilmember Kathy Huckabay agreed with deferring the motion, saying “if there is any type of question, I think it’s appropriate that Bruce (Disend) go back (and see what the options are.)”

The motion to postpone changing the mayoral term was approved 6 – 0, and is scheduled for discussion at tonight’s council meeting, Dec. 15.