10/6/99

Posted in: Country Side
To: WW

Hi WW. To answer the last part of your question. The answer is no. There are state laws, such as the ones to which you refer, that apply to all local governments and cannot be change or altered by local governments. These state laws have a reference that says the general assembly finds this subject to be of statewide interest.
A City Charter typically addresses such questions as form of government, manner of passing local ordinances, requirements for bonds, and the rights of a city to own and operate water systems and sewer systems.
Under the council-manager form of government, the city manager is appointed by and is responsible to the city council. This form of government is similar to the the organization of a private corporation. The chief executive offficer of a private corporation appoints department heads. The city manager in the council-manager form of government appoints department heads. Policy making is vested with the mayor and city council. The manager and department heads implement the Council's policies. Under this concept, policy makers are elected, technical positions are appointed. I believe that public accountabilty is much better with this form of government. Everyone knows who sets the policies for a city or city and county. The day to day activities of the local government are handled by people who are trained to do what they do. It has proven to be a more efficient form of government that is readily held accountable for its policies and the administration of those policies. This is not intended to take anything away from certain individuals who are elected to various county positions who are trained to do the job. However, when a person, for example, runs for county treasurer, what does this person really know about the investment of public funds and how to protect those investments. We have seen too many instances of the mismanagement or otherwise poor management of public funds. With the streamlined government we hope to achieve in Broomfield, a professional finance director will have these responsibilities who will be supervised by city manager who, in turn, reports to the elected mayor and elected city council. Local government has a great many duties and responsibilities. It needs to discharge them in prudent manner consistent with the policies established by the mayor and city council. Hope this helps.

By BBW
To BBW and all

Extremely frightened by some of the messages on this board today; especially concerning the consolidation of government organization.

I will respond when I can do so without flavored emotional response; right now I have to tell you all that I am not leaving the board, but will be gone for a day or so.

By Br Anonymous
Thx BBW

That does help. Thanks for the reply. I wish that I understood these concepts better coming into this. I DO appreciate that you take the time to explain details and philosophies.

I need to think this through further (but you may even have convinced me on this one - OOOOOOH NOOOOOO) :-)

By WW
NW Parkway

I just wanted to let you all know, I called Steve Hogan, executive director for the NW Parkway Hwy Project(?). He was prompt in returning my call, open in sharing information, and very pleasant to talk with.

He shared some interesting information and opinion. His stretch of the hwy starts at 128th/96th (at Interlocken) and goes north and east to I25. He recommended we contact the City of Westminster about the planned (or not planned) construction in our neck of the woods. I will follow up on that.

For the Broomfield residents here wishing to talk with Steve, he's at 466-0567. Thanks, BBW, for the lead.

By WW
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