Union Gap to Change City Government

Union Gap voters have decided to change their form of government from a strong mayor to a city manager. It is still a close race with Proposition 1 approved by 55 percent of the voters as of Tuesday night.

It means Mayor Jim Lemon would lose his power and become the eighth council member. Lemon will remain a council member for the remaining three years of his term.

Lemon is in the midst of a lawsuit filed by a former employee. Council Member Dan Olsen says Lemon was not right for the City. Lemon says all of the controversy caused him a lot of stress.

"Actually this takes a lot of burden off me," said Lemon. "This actually makes me pretty happy. I'm not sad whatsoever."

Council member Dan Olsen says he is happy with the voters' decision.

The change of government will begin next year.