PATTERSON — Separation of powers is on the Nov. 18 ballot for the people of Patterson. The city council passed two ordinances Tuesday calling for charter amendment elections. The ordinances would allow the mayor to have power over all city employees except those in the police department, which would be left in the hands of the chief of police. One ordinance would amend the city charter, if voters approve, so that the chief of police would be able to hire, discipline and terminate city employees in the police department with council approval. Councilman Joe Russo pushed for this ordinance to be ...