City Elections: Do You Know What You're Getting Into?
I remember asking my husband years ago if he knew what an alderman was. I had the position confused with constable, and I didn't know what that was either. Now that I know it's a city council member, a person who spends a considerable amount of effort working toward (hopefully) the city residents' benefit, for little pay, a lot of time away from family for evening meetings, and only to have to begin a new campaign less than a year after they're elected.
I've been thinking about my early ignorance, and I have some questions for Arkansas residents.
How long should city alderman terms be?
Should they be term limited?
Do you know who your alderman is?
Do you know their record?
Do you know their goals?
Here in Benton, a city alderman gets paid $18,000 for a 2-year term. One of them who is a member on MySaline.com told other members that his wife once figured up the hours spent in his city meetings and related duties. She came up with an hourly figure of $1.38 for his efforts. That's not counting money spent campaigning.
This is the position that has the most influence over what happens in your city - moreso than the mayor, who in most cities, has a full-time salary. You want to know these people. You want to understand what they want. You want them to understand what you want. Tell about your experience with city government.
More questions...
Have you ever been to a city meeting?
Have you ever interacted with your alderman?
Did you know that you have the right to be present and speak at city meetings, including committee meetings?
Do you know how to contact your alderman?
Here's a link to a document by the Arkansas Municipal League that helps us understand the duties of alderman.
Guidebook for Municipal Officials of Mayor/Council Cities (pdf)
I've been thinking about my early ignorance, and I have some questions for Arkansas residents.
How long should city alderman terms be?
Should they be term limited?
Do you know who your alderman is?
Do you know their record?
Do you know their goals?
Here in Benton, a city alderman gets paid $18,000 for a 2-year term. One of them who is a member on MySaline.com told other members that his wife once figured up the hours spent in his city meetings and related duties. She came up with an hourly figure of $1.38 for his efforts. That's not counting money spent campaigning.
This is the position that has the most influence over what happens in your city - moreso than the mayor, who in most cities, has a full-time salary. You want to know these people. You want to understand what they want. You want them to understand what you want. Tell about your experience with city government.
More questions...
Have you ever been to a city meeting?
Have you ever interacted with your alderman?
Did you know that you have the right to be present and speak at city meetings, including committee meetings?
Do you know how to contact your alderman?
Here's a link to a document by the Arkansas Municipal League that helps us understand the duties of alderman.
Guidebook for Municipal Officials of Mayor/Council Cities (pdf)
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Harper on -
How long should city alderman terms be? 2 years
Should they be term limited? Maybe, but not less than 6 years
Do you know who your alderman is? Greg White and Larry Wolf. I see them as independent thinkers who develop their own stand on issues. I like that even if I don't always like the way they vote. When they get it wrong it's usually a case of not having all the needed information.
Do you know their record? Somewhat
Do you know their goals? No. Goals would imply I knew the motivation in running for the office. I've never understood why one would want the job. Maybe they're masochistic. It sure ain't the money.
Have you ever been to a city meeting? yes
Have you ever interacted with your alderman? yes
Did you know that you have the right to be present and speak at city meetings, including committee meetings? yes
Do you know how to contact your alderman? I know how to try to contact them and it usually works.
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Permalink Reply by Brad Moore on -
As a citizen, I have always opposed term limits for any elected official. We have a current system that has automatic term limits ("ELECTION") and constitutional limits of terms. If the electorate are not satisfied with their elected official, they have the authority to vote them out of office without the need of term limits.
As an elected official, I co-sponsored an ordinance that called for an election to extend the term length of Benton's aldermen to rotating 4 years (meaning, 5 aldermen would be up for election every two years - 1 from each Ward). That initiative was soundly defeated by a huge margin. Also as an elected official, I accept the current format and I am honored to serve and abide by the desires of the citizens of Benton.
Best regards,
Brad
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Permalink Reply by Yvonne Oxford Dougherty on -
I am happy that we have men and women who are willing to do so much for so little in return. It seems that an efficient and effective alderman would need a good working knowledge of business practices, accounting principles, legal matters, and be able to interpret engineering concepts for roads, sewers, drainage, etc. I appreciate those who are willing to serve.
Term: 2 years to run concurrent with state elections
Limited: 4-6 years
My alderman: Doug Stracner
To the last questions: yes, no, no, no, yes, yes
Who has filed for the upcoming elections for Benton alderman positions?
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Permalink Reply by Shelli Russell on -
The deadline to file as a candidate for city elections is in August. I'm not sure of the exact date.
Yvonne Dougherty said:I am happy that we have men and women who are willing to do so much for so little in return. It seems that an efficient and effective alderman would need a good working knowledge of business practices, accounting principles, legal matters, and be able to interpret engineering concepts for roads, sewers, drainage, etc. I appreciate those who are willing to serve.
Term: 2 years to run concurrent with state elections
Limited: 4-6 years
My alderman: Doug Stracner
To the last questions: yes, no, no, no, yes, yes
Who has filed for the upcoming elections for Benton alderman positions?
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Permalink Reply by Brad Moore on
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FYI - each citizen of Benton is served, specifically, by two aldermen on the City Council. The city is divided into five "wards" with a total of ten aldermen (2 for each ward).
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Permalink Reply by Gigi D. Day on -
Great article Shelli ! I hope that the citizens of Saline and other counties around the state take the time to educate themselves and seek out the imformation before heading to the polls this election year.
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