"Do you really want a better City Government?"

[Towntalk]

It is very sad my friend, because other cities that have gone in this direction are better off than what we got here. As it stands, Youngstown is pathetic, and this is coming from someone who has spent years researching our history, and edited a 10 volume book on local history.

[Youngstownshrimp]

Sad TT, very sad.  You and I seem like the only ones here who would raise a finger to try to honestly correct local government.  After spending so much time on this message board of Youngstowners, you have to conclude, There really is no interest to change the City, really.  This town is full of those who cry but never go out on a limb.  I guess I have always been one to take calculated risk, this is why those who do, prosper.

[Towntalk]

MEMO: The whole idea about bringing in a City Manager from outside the area is to prevent conflicts of interest. The City Manager should be beholden to no one, and this is what would happen if a person living here were hired. Further, there is no one here who has the specific qualifications set out for a City Manager (CEO), all opinions to the contrary not withstanding. Preferably, the man hired should be from outside te state with a positive track record as a City Manager.

Some of the basic roles, responsibilities, and powers of a city manager include:

   
• Supervision of day-to-day operations of all city departments and staff, directly and through department heads;
• Oversight of all hiring, firing, disciplining and suspensions;
• Preparation, monitoring, and execution of the city budget, which includes submitting each year to the council a proposed budget package with options and recommendations for its consideration and possible approval;
• Main technical advisor to the council on overall governmental operations;
• Public relations, such as meeting with citizens, citizen groups, businesses, and other stakeholders (the presence of a mayor may alter this function somewhat);
• Operating the city with a professional understanding of how all city functions operate together to their best effect;
• Attends all council meetings, but does not have any voting rights
• Additional duties that may be assigned by the council

The responsibilities may vary depending upon charter provisions and other local or state laws, rules, and regulations. In addition, many states, such as the states of New Hampshire and Missouri, have codified in law the minimum functions a local "manager" must perform.
Manager members of the ICMA are bound by a rather rigid and strongly enforced code of ethics that was originally established in 1924. Since that time the code had been up-dated/revised on seven occasions, the latest taking place in 1998. The updates have taken into account the evolving duties, responsibilities, and expectations of the profession; however the core dictate of the body of the code--"to integrity; public service; seek no favor; exemplary conduct in both personal and professional matters; respect the role and contributions of elected officials; exercise the independence to do what is right; political neutrality; serve the public equitably and governing body members equally; keep the community informed about local government matters; and support and lead our employ-ees"—have not changed since the first edition.

[Towntalk]

How's this:
City Manager (Chief Executive - non elective) ... Mayor (Ceramonial) ... City Council (elective) ... Department heads (Hired by the City Manager with the concent of Council) The Mayor would also serve as Council President, and derive his pay from the number of hours Council was in session. He would receive no pay from ceramonial tasks, nor woul he possess any authority other than in his role as President of Council. Council would consist of 4 members plus 1 at large, and would have term limits of two four year terms.
The City Manager would have to be chosen from outside the city and not be affiliated with either political party, and be chosed based on his educational background in City management from a reputable university.

[Youngstownshrimp]

Yes TT, everyday, the inept City gives the community a reason why they must reorganize, very simple.  We here can start the petition, a petition gathering 10% of City voters to place a vote on the ballot to require the City create a reorganization plan.  No reasons or suggestions are required.
If everyone here wants to create history and change, I will support this petion and donate to this drive.

[Towntalk]

This is a great idea.
A number of years ago such a plan was proposed at the county level, but unfortunately was not followed through.

[Youngstownshrimp]

Do you? Are you willing to do a little work for it?  Why has this approach not been tried by the community organizers?
It is perfect Sun Tzu and it puts the burden an onus on the local government to reform.  Yes, that is correct, it mandates that the local government design a reorganization PLAN based on professional outside help as the qualified experts.
Most here know that when I write and envision, it is fact and for the good of the community and... I show track record which is documented here.  So no BS, it is time we stop talking about the problem and implement a solution that has already been in place but never understood by us locals.  Also, the nonprofits will never propose their own reorganization.
REORGANIZATION, this is the key, not CHARTER AMENDMENTS.  Simple, look it up.
If a community starts a petition that (voter initiated) the local government needs to CREATE a REORGANIZATION plan, and have 10% of the voters sign this petition, it must be placed on the ballot for votes.  A plan is NOT required nor accepted.  It is  the voters saying "IDIOT LEADERS, you are insufficient and inept, not to mention wasteful".  Once the vote wins at the first referendum, the City must in a specific amount of time come up with a reorganization plan for a second referendum vote.  Of course the City will  be under scrutiny to bring in professional planners for this reorganization plan.
You see, this approach can be done today, no reasons are required, the brilliance is we all have our own reasons, but they are bundled into one movement, as with businesses that reorganize all the time, the citizenry is voting that the leadership themselves as leaders get help and change the obsolete local City Hall.