Comments on: Decatur Commission to Vote In New Mayor/Mayor Pro-Tem This Evening

By: Walt Drake

Walt Drake — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 13:38:43 +0000

Nor was Bob Carpenter, Ann Chrichton, Wiley Ansley, Bill Breen or yours truly.

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 02:02:58 +0000

I don’t think Mike Mears was the most senior Commission member when he was Mayor.

By: Mary

Mary — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:31:00 +0000

Several of the most recent mayors? I guess I just don’t go that far back Walt. Just out of curiosity can you give us some examples? I can probably speak for 75% of Decatur in saying we have not experienced any mayors other than Bill Floyd and Elizabeth Wilson.

By: Walt Drake

Walt Drake — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:23:40 +0000

I think the analysis by Pierce of why it makes sense for the Mayor to be selected each year by the elected commissioners has lot of merit, and it has worked well for Decatur. Also, Mary’s comment that is has always been based on seniority is not accurate. Several of the most recent Mayors did not have seniority on the commission when selected.

By: Pierce

Pierce — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 21:38:47 +0000

I’m surprised to be on this side of the issue… but I think our current model of representation contributes to the effectiveness of our city’s government and I would prefer we not go to popular vote for mayor.

Our mayor’s role is not a traditional executive, operational role like Atlanta or Dekalb. Rather the role is more akin to a chairman of the board. He is the leader of the city council, not the head of an executive/operational branch. (This role is played very well by our professional city manager, whose contract is managed by the council.)

Having the mayor selected by the council from among their own yields a selection that the council is more likely to align behind. A direct mayoral election is likely to be more of a popularity contest than an informed selection of the most capable leader for the council. This is more likely to yield unproductive conflict as individuals wrestle for power instead of coalescing as a team.

Now… If I could only think of some local examples of this dynamic where the council and the executive branches bicker and fight without addressing constituents’ needs…

By: Daydreamer

Daydreamer — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 21:11:23 +0000

I don’t know why any citizens would be opposed to this idea, and considering polls upon polls, and requests for input on everything else, why not this matter?

Do you want to elect the mayor? Y/N

Not that difficult

By: Scott

Scott — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 20:08:26 +0000

Bill Floyd tried to advance that idea but, now that he’s gone, it’s likely dead-on-the-vine for the foreseeable future. Such a change needs a champion to build the necessary will and I just don’t see one materializing any time soon.

By: Diane Loupe

Diane Loupe — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 19:44:07 +0000

Perhaps its time for Decatur to have an elected mayor? Discuss amongst yourselves. Although, I certainly think Jim will do a fine job.