Posted by Chester Morton / Wednesday 19 October 2016 / No comments
The advantages 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.
Democratic
One of the advantages of the City Manager type of
local government is that, it is democratic. All the members of the City Council
are elected directly by the people. In other words, the people relinquish their
mandate to the Council to manage their affairs on their behalf.
Eliminates political
interference
To a very great extent, the City Manager type of
Local Government eliminates unnecessary interference in the city’s affairs from
politicians. The entire rancor and patronage associated with party politics is
avoided.
It is efficient
The City Manager type of local government is efficient.
The City Council appoints a professional administrator and runs the city as
efficiently as is possible. The heckling that is associated with partisanship
is completely absent so he has free hands to operate and operate efficiently.
Easy to locate
responsibility
Another advantage is that you can easily identify
who is responsible for the success or failure of the city’s fortunes. Whatever
the situation is, it is the City Manager answerable for the administration of
the city.
Checks favouritism
The City Manager, being a professional and being
ultimately responsible for the success or otherwise of the city, ensures that
he recruits only highly qualified people to head the various departments. There
is therefore little room for favouritism and nepotism. Recruiting an
unqualified person because he is a brother only goes to affect the output of
his delivery.
Separation of powers
The system allows for the principle of Separation
of Powers to operate in the administration of the city. The City Council serves
as the law-making body while the City Manager and his Heads of Department act
as the executive, implementing the laws. The judiciary is also separate.
SAMPLE
QUESTIONS
1. a. Describe the City Manager type of Local
Government System.
b. Highlight five advantages
of the City Manager local government system.
2. Highlight six advantages of the City Manager
type of Local Government.
3. Describe the composition of the City Council
of the City Manager type of Local Government.
