Posted by Chester Morton / Wednesday 19 October 2016 / No comments
The disadvantages of the City Manager type of Local Government
Definition
The
City Manager type of local government is that type of Local Government system
where elections to office are not based on the political leaning of the
contestants. In other words, it is a system where party politicking is avoided at
the local level. The system originates from the United States of America.
Composition
The
City Council of the City Manager type of local government consists of between
four to nine members who are elected by the people. Of this number, one is
appointed out of the lot as the City Manager. The City Manager then appoints the
heads of all the departments in the City Council. Some of the departments
included the Departments of Public Relations, Fire, Waste Management, and
Engineering.
City Manager could become dictatorial
Under the City Manager type of local government, too
much power is concentrated in the hands of the City Manager. As the saying goes
that “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”, there is the danger
that the City Manager could become despotic.
Operates in a hostile environment
The City Manager type of local government does
not allow for the City Manager to be elected by the people, he/she is appointed
by the City Council. He therefore does not enjoy the direct support of the city
dwellers. He therefore operates in a hostile environment.
Unnecessary conflicts
It has been argued that the City Manager type of
local government generates too much tension between the people of the city and
the City council as an entity. It not an uncommon sight to see citizens of a
city going on demonstrations against a policy or programme of their City
Council. The resultant confrontation between the city voters and the City
Council does not arguer well for the image of the city.
City Manager
unfamiliar with terrain
The City Manager is mostly not familiar with the problems
of the city to which he has been recruited. He may think he knows the needs of
the people while in actual fact, the needs of the people may be different. This
may be due to the fact that he is most of the time recruited from outside the
city.
Undemocratic
Another disadvantage of the City Manager type of local
government is that it is undemocratic. Indeed, the City Manager, who is given
so much power to administer the city, is not directly elected by the people. In
other words, the City Manager does not have the direct mandate of the people.
This is unacceptable in a country that prides itself on democratic principles.
Undue criticism of
City Manager
The City Manager is ultimately responsible for
the failure and success of the city. This makes him the target criticism from
the city dwellers. He is blamed for everything and anything. Undue criticism
may drive him off focus so that instead of concentrating on his core functions,
he now has to assuage the fears of the people.
SAMPLE
QUESTIONS
1. Highlight six disadvantages of the City
Manager type of local government.
2. a. How is the City Council of the City Manager
type of local government composed?
b. High
five disadvantages of the City manager type of local government.
