6.0. SR 05-23-1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Date: ~ay 1 } , ~ , 1994 To: ~ayor and Councilmembers From: Gene Schuldt Subject: Four-year Mayor's Term The mayor has suggested, and is seeking, to have the term of his office increased from two to four years, commencing with the 1994 election. As stated in the Star News article several weeks ago, he sees the need for spending time to become acquainted with the problems facing the City of Elk River. He also states that a four-year mayoral term could prevent a change in council majority from occurring at two-year intervals. . I will address the last point first. The voters and citizens of Elk River should have the opportunity to change the composition of the council majority every two years if they see the need to do so. The election of mayor on a two-year basis allows the people to change the Council majority if their needs are not being met or their voices not being heard. This becomes crucial because it is the only seat on the council that is elected by voters city-wide and not on a one-ward basis, as are the four Councilmembers Elk River has a weak-mayor formate in government. He does not have the authority to veto, nor any other kind of extra-ordinary powers. The mayor has one of five votes, one of five opinions. No more, no less, and the majority rules. The mayor's biggest job and responsi- bility is that of leadership. He is the spokesperson for the City of Elk River and is, therefore, the City's representative at various meetings and functions. The mayor projects the image of what Elk River is perceived to be and the policy of its' government. If the mayor falls short in that duty, it will become noticeable w thin a two-year term of office. It would be a mistake to double t e term, thereby doubling the length of a potential term of ineptnes I disagree that it takes two years to understand what ms and issues are facing the city. Even a rookie pOlitician know and understand basic issues within a reasonable time. In f ct, I find it hard to believe that anyone would run for mayor, or for councilmember, without first having an understanding, to s me de- gree of city issues and problems. That insight is usually the motivation for a candidate to run for office. . Some would contend that a four-year mayor's term is necess ry in order to pursue a personal agenda. That is an excellant r ason for leaving it a two-year term. There could be a vast differe ce between what a mayor wants to do and what the people want to have Elk