That's what town officials are asking themselves these days.

The question comes at the heels of a heated discussion at last week's Mount Pleasant Town Council retreat.

Mayor Billy Swails told fellow council members that he wanted them to consider a referendum to change town government from a weak mayor-strong council, which is the opposite of neighboring Charleston and North Charleston.

In the current Mount Pleasant system, the mayor is restricted on his power to appoint and remove officials, and lacks veto power.

Those other cities utilize a strong mayor-weak council form of government.

In that form, the mayor has almost total administrative authority, as well as the power to make decisions regarding the hiring and firing of department heads without council or public approval.

Swails has made no secret of his wish for a referendum during this year's general election.

That referendum would give Mount Pleasant voters the opportunity to choose whether or not to make the change.

The issue was not originally on the agenda for the retreat, but council members agreed to add the item for discussion.

'We all know how we operate,' said Councilman Elton Carrier. 'All of us have the same responsibilities to every person in our town. I'd hate to see that change.'

'Here's my concern with changing our form of government,' added Councilwoman Linda Page. 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.'

Swails repeated his desire for the people to choose, and noted the issue would be on the agenda for the February town council meeting. As it stands, town council must vote for the referendum before it will appear on the ballot.

'The only thing I'm asking for is a referendum,' Swails said.

"I just want to ask the people if they want a strong mayor form of government. It's as simple as that. I believe the Town of Mount Pleasant deserves a strong mayor form of government.'

Swails, who maintains he would not be in the running for a full-time mayor position, said his stance reflects his desire for the town to continue moving forward.