The election is over and all votes — even the provisional — have been tallied. So, where does that leave us?

Two members of Marion City Council will step down Monday at the next council meeting, and two more will step in.

Maybe one step in the right direction could be determining who is responsible for what.

On the city’s Web site, the duties of mayor and city administrator are posted.

The mayor is the presiding officer of the city council, superintending control of the officers and affairs of the city, and general manager of the city, seeing that all laws and ordinances are enforced.

The city administrator is the chief executive officer and head of the administrative branch is primarily responsible for and has supervision over all city employees; responsible for ensuring that all laws and ordinances are faithfully executed; prepares and administers the city’s budget; manages city departments and utilities; provides advice and administrative support to the council; monitors activities of the entire city organization; and assures that city council directives are properly implemented.

Do some of these duties overlap? Are there two people trying to do the same job?

The city administrator is paid to manage the city. The mayor is elected to manage the city.

Regardless of who the people might be appointed or elected, it would be helpful for all to understand their roles.

Perhaps expectations should be more clearly defined by the council.

— susan berg