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 models for organizing and operating local governments. Here, I will analyze the differences between these two forms:
1. Structure:
- Commission Form: Under the commission form, the local government is typically led by a small group of elected officials, known as commissioners, who have both legislative and executive powers. Each commissioner is responsible for a specific area or department of government.
- Council-Manager Form: In the council-manager form, the local government is led by an elected council, consisting of members who are responsible for making policy decisions. The council appoints a professional manager who is responsible for implementing policies and overseeing day-to-day operations of the government.
2. Decision-Making:
- Commission Form: In this form, individual commissioners have the authority to make decisions within their respective departments. Typically, each commissioner has equal decision-making power, and decisions are made collectively by the commission as a whole.
- Council-Manager Form: In this form, the elected council makes policy decisions collectively. The council sets the overall direction and goals, while the manager is responsible for executing these policies and making administrative decisions.
3. Professionalism and Expertise:
- Commission Form: Commissioners may or may not have expertise or professional experience in the specific areas they oversee. Elected officials might have more political considerations and less specialized knowledge, which can impact decision-making and governance.
- Council-Manager Form: The council-manager form emphasizes the employment of a professional manager who is typically experienced in public administration. The manager brings expertise and professional knowledge to the local government, which can lead to more informed and efficient decision-making.
4. Accountability and Governance:
- Commission Form: Commissioners are directly elected by the voters and are directly accountable to them. However, the commission system can be less transparent and prone to power concentration in the hands of a few commissioners.
- Council-Manager Form: The council-manager form usually allows for more transparency and accountability. Council members are directly elected, and the manager can be held accountable by the council, ensuring checks and balances.
5. Efficiency and Stability:
- Commission Form: The commission form can provide quicker decision-making since commissioners have the authority to act independently. However, coordination between different departments can be a challenge, potentially slowing down progress.
- Council-Manager Form: The council-manager form emphasizes stability and continuity as professional managers provide long-term leadership. The manager's expertise and focus on administration can lead to more efficient delivery of services and better coordination between departments.
In conclusion, the commission form of local government provides more individual decision-making power to commissioners, while the council-manager form emphasizes collective decision-making and professional management. Both forms have their pros and cons, and the optimal choice may depend on the specific needs and context of the local community.