Muscatine

I know I am stirring up the crazies, poking a stick and waking up the nutjobs, but what does everyone think of the mayoral race?  This is not intended to be a candidate bashing thread but a discussion on the candidates and their strengths.  Who do you think would be best for the city and why?  Let's try something really different here and be civil.  I know that is hard for most of you, but let's discuss not engage.  Roby, Hopkins or Openshaw and why?

Roby. She has already proven herself as a dedicated public servant in several capacities.

OMG!! We agree.

In order to decide on an answer, I need to see a job description for the Mayor of Muscatine.  I haven't found one on line, yet.

Here's one way to think about it:  (what best describes our situation?)

"You might think of your city's mayor as the  person in charge of the day-to-day functions of your humble burg, but did you  know he or she might be more of a figurehead, like the queen?  It  all depends on your city's form of government.

1. Strong Mayor

   • If a city operates under a strong mayor system, the mayor serves as the  city's chief executive officer. He runs the day-to-day affairs of the city, and  he is responsible for appointing key staff members, such as heads of departments  and committees.

   Weak Council

   • A city council, board of supervisors or other legislative body acts  on the mayor's recommendations and budget.  Even though the legislative body  must vote on a mayor's proposals, the mayor holds a veto  pen.

   Weak Mayor

   • If a city operates under a weak mayor system, the mayor serves as a  figurehead. She may have some power, but it is the legislative branch that holds  the real power.

   Strong Council

   • The legislative branch, such as a city council or board of supervisors,  appoints people to key posts, including department and committee leadership  positions.  In a weak mayor form of city government, the city manager is  responsible for the day-to-day functions of running the  city.

   Examples

   • Many of the largest cities in the United States--such as New York, Los  Angeles and Chicago--have strong-mayor governments. Cities with a weak-mayor  arrangement include Minneapolis and  Phoenix."

Read more:  City Mayor Job Description | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5105804_city-mayor-job-description.html#ixzz1XxFD148J