SARASOTA - Sarasota city voters could soon see the issue of an elected mayor on the ballot.  Monday night, city commissioners passed the ordinance after a public hearing.

It will have a second reading later this week.

If approved, it will go on the ballot March 10th.  And if voters approve it, both supporters and opponents say it will change city government.

"It changes the whole balance of the commission away from district representation, it will cost more money to have commission elections, it will take away from the grass roots voice of citizens," says Susan Chapman.

"Someone who is elected by the citizens of the city who will have run on a platform to which that person is accountable is ultimately good for the city," says Tom Luzier of Elected Mayor Now.

Currently, the position of mayor is ceremonial.  Commissioners pick who will serve the one year term.

If voters approve the elected mayor, the person will be elected for a four year term.

The city commission would expand from five to seven members, with 3 members elected from districts and four members including the mayor elected at large.  The mayor would make twice what city commissioners make.

This issue has been on the ballot twice before.  Voters turned it down.