HB348, sponsored by Rep. Mel Brown, R-Coalville, would have streamlined the mechanism by which counties can change forms of government.

Last November, Summit County voters, by a razor-thin margin, elected to switch from a three-member commission to a five-member council with an appointed executive.

Such an election, however, is possible only after a lengthy process.

Brown had said that his bill was not a slap at Summit County voters. But it outlined a process by which 10 percent of registered voters could petition to again put on the ballot whether to change back to the commission form of government.

Steve Dougherty, a member of the Summit County study group, said Brown's bill appeared like "political payback" for members of his east-side power base who wanted to retain the commission. "I'm thankful," Dougherty said. "But I'm apprehensive about the future. I think it will be back."

- Christopher Smart