City Government

The City council has abdicated its responsibility to properly legislate, instead relying on a powerful Clerk-treasurer and City lawyers to make policy in their stead. As Mayor, how would you address this issue?

The Clerk-treasurer is a full time city employee with significant responsibilities involved in the performance of their official duty.  Any gaps or conflicts in council legislation should be questioned by citizens then addressed by both Mayor and Council to weigh the matter and provide an answer. Correctly directing the question when it is beyond the authority of the Clerk is another answer.  The attorney is paid to provide legal opinions and give advice to the matters before the council, mayor and planning commission, and then also act as legal counsel in other city matters. Any legal element can result in mandated policies for legal compliance. However preparing documents beforehand seemingly is making policy.  This is where the stewardship of a strong mayor can influence the decisions and policies which best represent the citizens. It could be very easy to rely on a knowledgeable Clerk’s advice or follow a highly efficient lawyer as both are influential in all matters regarding the city government. The voices of the citizens are too often bypassed in the decision process. As Mayor, the people will get more opportunity to be included and kept informed on a constant basis. Communication and information are the keys.