From Ric Genthe, Brodhead
To the editor:
Over the years I've heard comments from citizens about how powerful a mayor is. Since becoming a candidate (for mayor), comments have been directed my way about how much power I would have if I am elected. I'd like to address the facts about the job and duties of the mayor and city council.
Imagine playing a team sport but not knowing what each of your teammates is supposed to do. A mayoral candidate needs to be clear about the players. Just what are the duties and responsibilities of the mayor and the city council?
The mayor has two great responsibilities. First, the mayor is responsible for the overall safety and welfare of the citizens. It's the mayor's duty to support the police and fire departments. Second, the mayor must have a clear vision of the community's needs and goals and find ways to carry out those goals. The mayor has the right to sign legal documents and appoint persons to committees only with the approval and majority vote of the city council. Each city council member is appointed by the mayor to chair committees. The ordinances and laws of the community are created and approved by the city council. Each city council member's responsibility is very important as he or she represents approximately 550 people in Brodhead. The mayor only has a vote when our six-member city council is tied.
Citizens shouldn't be afraid to question the mayor as the mayor is supposed to lead the way for the community. The community belongs to all the people. I believe that a mayor's obligation is to listen to the citizens and encourage ideas from everyone because no idea is a bad idea. I believe it's a mayor's responsibility to bring ideas to the table. Look around every corner for a solution. Guide the city in a unified direction. I believe it's the mayor's responsibility to find solutions to the hard problems of the time. Look to other communities for the ideas that have worked. Above all, protect Brodhead citizens' safety and move to improve the economic security of citizens and the community.
Brodhead is a diamond in the rough. I find Brodhead citizens are willing to share ideas and work hard to advance the benefits of this community. By doing so, everyone is a winner.
To the editor:
Over the years I've heard comments from citizens about how powerful a mayor is. Since becoming a candidate (for mayor), comments have been directed my way about how much power I would have if I am elected. I'd like to address the facts about the job and duties of the mayor and city council.
Imagine playing a team sport but not knowing what each of your teammates is supposed to do. A mayoral candidate needs to be clear about the players. Just what are the duties and responsibilities of the mayor and the city council?
The mayor has two great responsibilities. First, the mayor is responsible for the overall safety and welfare of the citizens. It's the mayor's duty to support the police and fire departments. Second, the mayor must have a clear vision of the community's needs and goals and find ways to carry out those goals. The mayor has the right to sign legal documents and appoint persons to committees only with the approval and majority vote of the city council. Each city council member is appointed by the mayor to chair committees. The ordinances and laws of the community are created and approved by the city council. Each city council member's responsibility is very important as he or she represents approximately 550 people in Brodhead. The mayor only has a vote when our six-member city council is tied.
Citizens shouldn't be afraid to question the mayor as the mayor is supposed to lead the way for the community. The community belongs to all the people. I believe that a mayor's obligation is to listen to the citizens and encourage ideas from everyone because no idea is a bad idea. I believe it's a mayor's responsibility to bring ideas to the table. Look around every corner for a solution. Guide the city in a unified direction. I believe it's the mayor's responsibility to find solutions to the hard problems of the time. Look to other communities for the ideas that have worked. Above all, protect Brodhead citizens' safety and move to improve the economic security of citizens and the community.
Brodhead is a diamond in the rough. I find Brodhead citizens are willing to share ideas and work hard to advance the benefits of this community. By doing so, everyone is a winner.
