The City Council's most important function is to provide critical and effective oversight of the city. Not to micromanage city operations, but to ensure those operations consistently meet the standards of good governance. And the Mayor sets the tone for this governance as the city's Chief Executive Officer. The best description I've seen on this topic comes from http://www.goodgovernance.org.au:
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Good governance is accountable. Accountability is a fundamental requirement of good governance. Local government has an obligation to report, explain and be answerable for the consequences of decisions it has made on behalf of the community it represents.
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Good governance is transparent. People should be able to follow and understand the decision-making process. This means that they will be able to clearly see how and why a decision was made – what information, advice and consultation council considered, and which legislative requirements (when relevant) the council followed.
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Good governance follows the rule of law. This means that decisions are consistent with relevant legislation or common law and are within the powers of City Council.
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Good governance is responsive. Local government should always try to serve the needs of the entire community while balancing competing interests in a timely, appropriate and responsive manner.
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Good governance is equitable and inclusive. A community’s well-being results from all of its members feeling their interests have been considered by City Council in the decision-making process. This means that all groups, particularly the most vulnerable, should have opportunities to participate in the process.
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Good governance is effective and efficient. Local government should implement decisions and follow processes that make the best use of the available people, resources and time to ensure the best possible results for their community.
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Good governance is participatory. Anyone affected by or interested in a decision should have the opportunity to participate in the process for making that decision. This can happen in several ways – community members may be provided with information, asked for their opinion, given the opportunity to make recommendations or, in some cases, be part of the actual decision-making process.
As an elected official serving the public trust, the above tenets serve as my scorecard for how well Cedar Falls is being governed. I'll take action (appropriately and respectfully) when I believe that we're not living up to these high standards. It's a fundamental duty that I'm proud to carry out on your behalf, as I have done these past 20 months as your City Council (At Large) representative. I hope to earn your vote for Mayor this November 5th!