Every other week I watch Marion City Council and every other week I think the same thing — the mayor, regardless of who it is, should not have a vote.
If we look to other cities, the mayor only votes when there is a tie. Otherwise, he or she only conducts the meeting.
I remember when the original city commission discussed the charter ordinance. It was determined at that time that it was a good idea for the mayor to vote. After all, the mayor always voted before when it was a three-member commission. But after observing councils in various cities and Marion’s council the past years, I’ve concluded that it is not beneficial.
As human beings, we can’t help but to try to sway others to do what we want. The same is true when conducting a meeting. The person overseeing the agenda should not have the power to make motions.
The mayor’s job at the meetings is to follow the agenda and some rule of order, not run over council members. He or she should allow discussions, interjecting his or her opinions when appropriate, and call for motions.
The council then becomes more focused on five people representing the community with the mayor focused on the agenda and making sure everyone is heard.
— susan berg