Since Norfolk has been considering the switch from city-manager to strong-mayor, now may be a good time to reflect on the same decision we grappled with here in Richmond a few years ago.
Vivian J. Paige of Norfolk compares the two systems on her blog in a post that fairly well describes where she comes down on the issue: "Norfolk strong mayor? Um, no". Take a minute to read through her post, even if it’s just to get your bearings on the differences between the two systems.
While Mayor Wilder has not endeared himself to……well, to anyone, but does that mean that the experiment has failed? What do you think?
The worst vote I ever cast was for the new charter. Designed by Paul Goldman and friends and swallowed whole by a gullible Richmond. The old system had its faults but was infinitely more democratic. The new charter doesn’t even provide for majority rule.
Paul: If we’re voting for the mayor now instead of having him/her appointed, how is it not majority rule? Unless you mean it in the same sense that the electoral colleges don’t provide for majority rule… Maybe there’s another nuance that I’m missing.