The Conversation So Far

Share your thoughts about Ruston changing its form of government from mayor-council to council-manger. You can comment here or email them to kpickett22@yahoo.com.

MRSC had a couple of interesting points on the form of government:

"Under the 'separation of powers doctrine,' each of the three branches (legislative, executive and judicial) exercises certain defined powers, free from unreasonable interference by the others; yet all three branches interact with each other as part of a 'checks and balances' system." and...

"When the roles are not clearly defined in a particular situation, and the law is not clear, compromise may be in order. All sides need flexibility to meet the challenges of a well functioning city government. If the focus is on providing good government rather than on turf wars, councilmembers, mayors, city managers and staff can better fulfill their roles as public servants."

Here are the comments on this issue so far:

Jim Wingard:
Very enlightening! These issues are not always as apparent as they seem on the surface. What bothers me is the Mayor is unresponsive. Really, in effect, is now a ceremonial Mayor. When he does take a position it is usually in conflict with the Council. Even at different times being on both sides of an issue. Where does he stand on Point Ruston? If anybody knows let me know.When the legislature is in session he is virtually a no show letting HUITT-ZOLLARS do all the decision making. This seriously hampers the Point Ruston development.

Anonymous:
I'm completely confident that the current council is much more intelligent than our nation's founding fathers so I'm all for this change. I mean, what in the hell were the founding fathers thinking when they formed that pesky executive branch as one of the checks and balances to the legislative branch? Who needs it?

Anonymous:
The anonymous negative comment about the nations founding fathers confirms Ron White's observation: "You can't fix STUPID". One of the very important functions of the exec. branch is to take the blame for the idiot action the legislative branch takes. Which is fueled by the lazy people that continue to send the same reps and senators back to D.C. for 20 to 70 years.

PORKCHOP:
It is nice to have one of the 'Fab Four'(current council) comment anonymously on their superior intellect.At least it shows they are watching this blog and getting some feedback from the residents, which is more than they allow in the public forum of 'their meetings'.Many blessings and best wishes, your going to need 'em.

Karen:
I was a bit concerned about using the federal system as a positive example, given the current sentiment about D.C. I can see one of the commenters picked up on that. But again, he could be speaking tongue-in-cheek. Who could possibly be opposed to balance of power for the bureaucracy that runs so much of our lives? Pesky executive branch indeed!