Analyze the difference between the commission form of local government and the council
-manager form of local government
The commission form of local government and the council-manager form of local government are two different systems utilized in the management of local governments. Here are the key differences between the two:
1. Structure:
- Commission form: In this form, the government is typically led by a small group of elected officials known as commissioners who also act as the executive branch. These commissioners are elected at-large or from specific districts.
- Council-manager form: In this form, the government consists of a council or commission that represents the legislative branch, and a professional manager who is appointed by the council to serve as the executive branch.
2. Decision-Making:
- Commission form: Commissioners in this system have both legislative and executive powers, meaning they make policy decisions and also implement them. Decisions are usually made by majority vote among the commissioners.
- Council-manager form: In this system, the council or commission focuses on policy-making and legislative functions, while the appointed manager handles the day-to-day operations and implementation of policies. The manager is responsible for running the government efficiently and effectively.
3. Accountability:
- Commission form: Commissioners in this system are directly accountable to the voters who elected them. They are responsible for making decisions and taking actions, which can sometimes lead to more direct and visible accountability.
- Council-manager form: In this system, the manager is held accountable for the performance of the government as they are responsible for its day-to-day operations. The council holds the manager accountable by evaluating their performance and potentially terminating their employment.
4. Expertise:
- Commission form: Commissioners in this system often do not necessarily require professional expertise in governance or management. They may be elected based on their policy positions rather than their qualifications for executive leadership.
- Council-manager form: The appointed manager in this system is typically a professional public administrator with knowledge and expertise in local government management. They are expected to bring administrative skills to the position and, ideally, have education and experience in the field.
5. Flexibility:
- Commission form: The commission system is relatively inflexible in terms of decision-making, as it often requires majority support among the elected commissioners to make decisions.
- Council-manager form: The council-manager system generally offers more flexibility in decision-making. The appointed manager can act quickly and independently within the boundaries set by the council or commission, allowing for more efficient and timely responses to issues.
Overall, the commission form of government is characterized by a lack of separation between legislative and executive functions. In contrast, the council-manager form provides a clear separation of powers, with the council focusing on policy-making and the professional manager handling day-to-day operations.