Term
| What are the powers of the city mayor? |
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Definition
| The powers are weak and informal. However, the mayor is regarded as the most powerful actor in city government. They can take the lead in important policy issues and can negotiate settlements. Additionally,the mayor serves as the presiding officer of the city council and is the ceremonial head of the city. |
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Term
| Who can broker and negotiate deals with private sector actors and council members? |
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Definition
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Term
| Who is at the center of the media and can informally sway public opinion as well as set and change policy agendas? |
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Definition
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Term
| Pros of providing salaries for council members |
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Definition
| greater inclusivness by creating the ability for the average working individual to participate |
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Term
| Cons of providing salaries for council members |
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Definition
- negates civic duty of the obligation
- could distract from intended purpose of policy making
- would cause involvement in day to day operations intended for administrative professionals and specialists
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Term
| Pros of providing council members assistants |
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Definition
- they could sit in on community meetings and represent council member
- could conduct research for council member on pending issues before council or on matters to present to the council
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Term
| Cons of providing council members assistants |
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Definition
| assistants could become too involved in the adminstrative works of the city |
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Term
| Why do city managers oppose council members having assistants? |
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Definition
| City managers are concerned with the involvement of such individuals. Managers fear that they will have too much involvement and may interrupt the day to day operations, which were left to administrative professionals and specialists. Addionally, they may introduce more politics into the administration of policy and deviate from the set agenda during meetings. |
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