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Okay, Friday night Public Administration talk on the topic of mayors.
You typically see mayors serve as the chief executives of localities in two situations. One, the locality is so small it doesn't really need a full-time chief exec. Two, big cities. https://twitter.com/sarahjaneva/status/1309619114206474246
You typically see mayors serve as the chief executives of localities in two situations. One, the locality is so small it doesn't really need a full-time chief exec. Two, big cities. https://twitter.com/sarahjaneva/status/1309619114206474246
Big cities use the strong mayor form of government because the mandate from winning election is a key part of getting the large City bureaucracy moving in one direction.
These cities also have layers upon layers of overlapping government entities. City, County, School District, Regional entities, Authorities, etc. Getting stuff done is a challenge. Having someone with a bully pulpit makes it a bit more likely.
Obviously there are drawbacks to this system, which is mirrored in our state and federal governments. I don't think I have to point them out.
The Council-Manager form of government came about because for most localities, having a non-political professional running the daily operations yielded better results than an elected amateur.
These localities are big enough to need full-time management, but they aren't so large and labyrinthine that you need a prominent leader to slash through the layers of bureaucracy.
The main reason I think a strong mayor system doesn't do anything for a Virginia locality is that no matter how powerful a mandate a mayor has for their agenda - the General Assembly can squash it.
Also, keep in mind that Virginia's governing structure is unique, with independent cities. A lot of the overlap in other states is lessened here.
The other angle I've heard is accountability, and I'm not sure how a City Manager who can be dismissed at any time is less accountable than a mayor who will be around until the next election, if they decide to run.
Additionally, government is weird. I know the idea of a maverick coming in and shaking things up sounds good, but it's not easy to come into the field cold. I mean, engaging with my profession essentially requires learning a new language, and we're not the only one.
TL;DR - I can't think of a problem a strong mayor system solves in Virginia as long as the General Assembly has such tight control over the local governments.
