CHARLESTON, W. Va. — My friend who I’ve been visiting here told me something I found almost impossible to believe, but it’s true: this city of about 48,800 residents is represented by (gulp!) a 26-member city council.
Twenty of them are elected from specific districts, or wards; six of them are elected at-large, along with the mayor.
Oh, and get this: They run for office on partisan ballots, as Democrats, Republicans and whatever other party they choose.
Wow!
I do not know what to make of this form of government. They call it a “strong mayor” government, meaning the people invest tremendous power and authority in its elected mayor.
What astounds me is the number of wards from which the council is elected and which they represent. I figure each council member is elected by a tiny fraction of the electorate, given the number of districts vs. the entire population of the city.
Moreover, the partisan nature of the governing council appears to be a bit out of the ordinary. I never have considered pothole repair, sewer service, police and fire protection and garbage pickup to be determined on a partisan basis.
My friend tells me, too, that many council members also miss many meetings. No kiddin’, man! With that many council members with places at the table, who would miss you if you decide you didn’t want to attend?
And how in the world do they ever reach a consensus on a major municipal issue?
Well, this trip has been an eye-opener for sure.