Everyone must recognize powers and responsibilities of Mayor and City Council

While searching the web for articles demonstrating good Mayor/Council relationships, I came across an editorial in The News Star in Monroe Louisiana and several other articles that seem applicable to Kennesaw.  Below is my offing for an initial understanding of how our Mayor and Council currently functions and how relationships should be.

First, is there a clear understanding of the responsibilities of the City Council relative to the duties of the mayor?  This understanding is important for our elected officials to work harmoniously for the good of the City.  Historically, the separation of powers doctrine was designed to move power away from the Executive branch.  Our Founding Fathers designed the Legislative branch to be independent and co-equal.

The role of the Legislative branch (City Council) is to make laws and the role of the Executive branch (Mayor) is to carry out the laws written by the City Council.  The Mayor has veto power over laws passed by the City Council and the veto can be overturned by four of the five City Council members.  Most State and City governments follow this model.

Other functions of the Executive branch are not pertinent here.  This offering is meant to explore the role of these two branches of city government to ensure a harmonious relationship in the best interest of the public and to provide for accountability and transparency.

In most council meeting, bills and ordinances are on the agenda.  Most have never been seen by the City Council until days before the meeting.  Explanations of those bills from the various city offices are given only in the council packet and information to the City Council is not adequate to make wise decisions in some cases, nor is there ample opportunity to develop a full understanding of the issues and opportunities.  Actually, to procrastinate or, "drop the ball" in sharing adequate information with the City Council so that they can make good decisions is not doing what is in the best interest of the City.  Information given to the public is even less adequate.

The City Council is frequently told there is urgency in passing resolutions or ordinances.  To do otherwise, is to be blamed as not doing what is in the best interest of the City.  In effect, lack of planning on their part does not constitute an emergency on our part.  It irresponsible of the City Council to, "just say yes" to all put before it.  The City Council and citizens have an obligation to ask questions and demand answers.  Hopefully, without receiving hostility or snide remarks from the Executive branch.

When asked questions recently, the Mayor stated some folks were trying to micro manage the City.  Was this an effort to quash the influence of the City Council and citizens?  Was the mayor over-stepping his Executive branch power over the co-equal branch of government?  It was stated that we sometimes just have to trust the administration.  This is like passing a bill (Obamacare ring a bell) to see what is in it.  

In Kennesaw, it has been this way for a long time.  Change brings conflict but change it must.  A harmonious working relationship between the City Council and Mayor is essential.  Everyone must recognize the powers and responsibility of the Mayor and City Council as co-equal.