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Waiting for Superman

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Diaman Nichols Nichols-E2
Compton
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17 October 2013
South Carolina’s Strong-Council System vs. Strong-Mayor System of Government
Many South Carolinians dwelling in, Columbia, the capital city, has been questioning the idea of changing the already existing form of government, which is a strong-counsel system, to a strong-mayor system. The feasibility of this particular implication of a new system, strong-mayor system of government has dismayed some while simultaneously satisfying others. Some residents and lawmakers say there is no need to change Columbia’s system of government, which the city has been using since 1949. On the contrary, those pushing for change counter that Columbia needs an elected chief executive, who is empowered to render decisions quickly, so the city can better compete for businesses and the jobs they would bring. Currently, Charleston and North Charleston are the only major and prosperous cities in South Carolina with a strong-mayor system of government. Should Columbia change its already existing strong-council system of government to a strong-mayor system of government? Columbia’s current system of government is a feeble and ineffective system which desperately needs to be changed. This change will manifest to other cities that South Carolina’s capital city is politically and economically stable and be a stimulating example to others. City lawmakers should decide to change its system of government and provide the mayor with three types of necessary authority over personnel, budget controls, and job qualifications. Personnel authority will make the mayor the boss of 2,230 part time and full time city employees. Therefore, if the mayor feels certain city incumbents are not performing their duties to the best of their ability or is not carrying out their responsibilities in the manner the mayor requires, considering the interest of all Columbians, he will have the authority to dismiss and replace those personnel. This would bring unity to the city because it allows the mayor to have influence over all city departments which will ultimately help the city work in partnership rather than befuddlement.
Budget controls is an aspect of the city that a strong mayor would have authority and more influence over as it pertains to the well-being of all Columbians. Currently, the mayor is 1 of 7 voices on legislature who establishes an annual budget and taxes by volume of income allocated and by financial policies. A mayor would have authority to pierce around within a single bill as approved by council. This will allow the mayor to provide funding to other needed areas within in the city and provide incumbents with more ammunition to fight for the people. However, if a strong mayor thinks he can abuse this authority, and become a clever mayor, the council has and will continue to have sovereignty to put spending boundaries on a clever mayor.
Job qualifications are another area where some strong-mayor antagonists have concerns. State law requires that possibilities for city council, including a mayor’s seat, contingency be at least 18 years of age and be purebred electorate in a city boundary by Election Day. Candidates may not run if they have been convicted of a state or sovereign felony and election-law violations. Also, for a mayor, legislature has set an education level requirement. This would require a city manager to have eight to ten years of knowledge in open administration and at least a bachelor’s degree in an applicable field. All of this would remain intact and none of this would change if the city of Columbia decides to change its form of government. In conclusion, the city of Columbia should change its form of government and provide a strong-mayor with personnel, budget control, and job qualification authority. Considering the feasibility of the city of Columbia changing its current system of government, we must understand that the change will be for what is best for all Columbians. Additionally, antagonists’ of the strong-mayor system must realize that change is not easy; however, change has driven the city of Columbia into great prosperity and success for many years and many years to come. Without an elected chief executive who is empowered to render decisions, Columbia will not be able to meet its political and economic objectives. Therefore, yes, Columbia should change its already existing form of government to a strong-mayor system like two other major and prosperous cities in South Carolina. Columbia is the capital and heart of South Carolina, and other areas should not be stronger politically and economically than South Carolina’s capital city.

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