“Earn your leadership every day.” — Michael Jordan
Thank you so much for the kind emails, social network comments, phone calls and cards. Serving as your mayor has been one of the most humbling yet exhilarating experiences of my life. I shall treasure the memories forever.
Several have asked me to explain the duties of a Wisconsin mayor. I will do my best to give you details, and a little personal commentary as well.
The mayor is the chief executive officer of the city and is elected by the voters on the first Tuesday in April, usually in even-numbered years. A mayoral candidate must be a citizen of the United States and of Wisconsin and an elector of the city. Electors must be 18 years of age, and must have resided in the state and the city for at least 10 days.
The mayor sets his/her own office hours. The position requires commitment. Hopefully whoever is elected will understand the importance of being available to the staff and the public. I also felt I was an ambassador for the city and tried my best to attend as many community events and functions as I could. During the mayor’s term of office, the mayor may not hold or accept another public office or position that is incompatible with the mayor’s office.
The mayor is the presiding officer at meetings of the common council. As presiding officer, the mayor has authority to decide points of order, subject to appeal to the majority of the council, and to maintain order at council meetings.
By law, the mayor is considered a member of the council. However, the mayor is not counted in determining whether a quorum is present at a meeting. Except in case of a tie, the mayor has no council vote. During my tenure, I believe I broke three ties.
Statue 62.09(8)(a) states the mayor shall be the chief executive officer. The mayor shall take care that city ordinances and state laws are observed and enforced, and that all city officers and employees discharge their duties. The mayor makes the citizen appointments to boards and commissions.
I strongly believe a mayor needs to leave their ego at the door. Serving as mayor shouldn’t be viewed as a status symbol nor should it be used as a position of power.
Much of my workday is spent communicating with residents who need assistance with a problem, have a complaint or suggestion, or who simply want to visit about our community in general. Serving as a resource to staff is another priority. Together we discuss issues, problem solve and share suggestions/ideas. A mayor also signs documents to include resolutions, ordinances, checks and contracts.
Teamwork needs to exist within the staff, and needs to also exist with other municipalities. I am proud of our positive relationships with our surrounding townships and Shawano/Menominee counties. I had the opportunity to work with several of the town chairpersons, the county board chair and tribal leaders, and I look for our next mayor to continue to work positively with them.
The mayor works with economic development groups to include the city of Shawano’s Industrial and Commercial Development Commission, SCEPI, Shawano Country chamber and tourism.
Although the mayor may not accept an incompatible public office, the mayor may serve on boards and commissions where no additional compensation other than a per diem received by other members is paid. In our community, the mayor serves as chairperson and votes on the plan commission and is also a voting member of the Shawano Municipal Utilities Commission, Senior Citizen Commission and the Disability Committee.
The chief of police has command of the police force of the city of Shawano under the direction of the mayor. The chief generally stops in my office at least weekly to share information about new hires, existing programs, department budget items, community concerns, etc. It works well having the Police Department and City Hall in the same building.
As of Thursday, I believe eight potential candidates for mayor have taken out papers. They have until Jan. 5 at 5 p.m. to return them. A primary will be held in February to determine the two candidates who will be on the April ballot.
The answer to last week’s question — What was the name of the small family grocery store/meat market located at 312 W. Picnic St. in 1989? — is Al’s Little Market.
This week’s question is: Who was the president and manager of Retail Lumber and Supply Company in 1982?
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