who does the village attorney represent the people or the mayor

by Kailyn Johnson 3 min read

What does a city attorney do?

The city attorney does not represent the city council or the mayor; in advising the council and the mayor, the city attorney represents the municipal corporation as an indivisible unit. There is no attorney-client relationship formed with the component parts, because the component parts cannot function as independent entities under the City of ...

Who does the administrative work in a village?

Oct 07, 2019 · Depending on the city’s form of government, the city attorney may report to the mayor, city council, or the city manager . City Attorney Duties & Responsibilities The job generally requires the ability to perform the following duties: Advise city leaders on matters related to ethics, personnel, ordinances, contracts, land use, taxes, and finance

Who does the city attorney report to?

Oct 09, 2014 · Following up on Frayda Bluestein’s excellent post about the appointment of new city and county attorneys, I offer answers to frequently asked questions about the proper role of a local government attorney.. As always, my advice is guided by the North Carolina Revised Rules of Professional Conduct.. For local government attorneys, the most relevant of those rules is …

What are the powers of a mayor?

Elected Officials – Antioch, IL. The Village of Antioch, a non-home rule municipality, is governed by a Mayor and six member Board of Trustees, all of whom are elected for four year staggered terms. The Board is the legislative body of the Village government. All administrative work is performed under the direction of the Village ...

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Who gives power to the mayor?

The chief-elected official is commonly called the mayor. The mayor may be elected directly or appointed by an elected council, depending on the city's form of government and authority given to the mayor. The city council is an elected body of legislators who govern the municipality.

What is the role of mayor?

To be head of the municipal council and to act as Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. To preside over council meetings. To provide leadership to council. To represent the municipality at official functions.

What does the LA city attorney do?

As the City's general counsel, the City Attorney provides advice and opinions on matters of municipal concern, examines contracts and ordinances as to form and legality, and is frequently called upon to interpret the City Charter, federal and state statutes, and other laws that govern Los Angeles.As the City's chief ...

What issues do mayors deal with?

Traditionally, mayors oversee a city's main departments, including the police, fire, education, housing and transportation departments. At the same time, their responsibilities vary depending on the local power structure.

Who is called mayor?

mayor, in modern usage, the head of a municipal government. As such, the mayor is almost invariably the chairman of the municipal council and of the council executive committee. In addition the mayor may fulfill the roles of chief executive officer, ceremonial figurehead, and local agent of the central government.

What is another word for mayor?

In this page you can discover 23 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for mayor, like: chairman of a city council, civil judge, mayors, chancellor, alderman, city-council, MAYOR'S, mayoral, lord-mayor, burgomaster and Burgermeister (German).

Who is the current LA City Attorney?

Attorney Mike FeuerAbout Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer. Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer has long been one of California's leading lawyers and lawmakers.

Who is LA City district attorney?

George GascónThe current district attorney (DA) is George Gascón....Los Angeles County District Attorney.District Attorney of Los Angeles CountySalary$346,414 (2020)Websitehttps://da.lacounty.gov/8 more rows

How much do Los Angeles city attorneys make?

How much does a City Attorney make in Los Angeles, CA? The average City Attorney salary in Los Angeles, CA is $101,624 as of March 29, 2022, but the salary range typically falls between $85,044 and $119,759.

Do mayors get paid?

The Mayor and the 25 London Assembly Members receive an annual salary and, on retirement, a pension. They are also entitled in certain circumstances to a resettlement grant payment when they leave office.

What is the difference between a strong mayor and a weak mayor?

Under the strong system, the mayor works full time and has strong influence over the city. Under the weak mayor system, the mayor's power is LIMITED. The council does most of the work and the mayor directs the council meetings and does what the council asks him to do.

How are mayors elected in Australia?

Mayoral elections Mayors that are elected by the voters in an area serve a four-year term. These mayors are elected in addition to the elected councillors. A person elected as mayor cannot also be elected as a councillor in the same area. The other councils do not have mayoral elections.Mar 24, 2022

What is the advice of a city attorney?

The city attorney’s advice may include opinions about whether the changes are good policy, but the most important pieces are whether the changes are permissible under state and federal law and whether the city is exposing itself to legal risk by making the changes.

What do city attorneys do?

City attorneys advise a municipal government’s leadership on legal matters that may impact the city. They must be well-versed in state law governing the creation and operation of municipal governments. Additionally, city attorneys must know the law related to human resources, open meetings, open records, contracts, taxes, and criminal records. ...

What skills do city attorneys need?

Communication skills: City attorneys must be able to clearly present and explain complex information verbally and in writing. Problem-solving skills: The city attorney will need to help resolve a number of issues that will impact the city.

What do lawyers need to become a lawyer?

Most states require lawyers to complete a Juris Doctor degree from a law school that's accredited by the American Bar Association.

How much will lawyers be employed in 2026?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for all types of lawyers will grow 8 percent through 2026, which is slightly faster than the overall employment growth of 7 percent for all occupations in the country.

How to stay informed of changes to state and federal laws?

Stay informed on changes to state and federal laws that impact the city. Inform the appropriate elected officials and city staff as laws are being debated in the state legislature or Congress. Draft city laws and contracts. Review all contracts and memoranda to ensure that the city’s legal interests are not compromised.

Where do CIty attorneys work?

CIty attorneys work in offices but usually need to travel for meetings, court, and other city matters. This can be a high-pressure job depending on what's happening in the city.

What is the role of elected representatives in a town?

An important part of serving your community as an elected representative is providing citizens with an opportunity to communicate with the council —not only on a one-to-one basis with you as they meet you on the street, but also in a more formal public forum. Townships may hold an annual town meeting where citizens may participate and vote—however, this is not an option for cities and villages. Only the mayor or president, member of the council, or a staff member (depending on your local charter and rules) may introduce an agenda item. Only members of the council (including the president or mayor under most charters) may vote on matters brought for action.

What is the role of a clerk?

The office of clerk is a pivotal one, dealing with vital areas of city or village operation: records management, finance, and elections. The importance of recording and preserving the official action of the legislative body cannot be overstated. Years from now, these records will provide the only documentation of actions taken by the municipality. Traditionally, the municipal clerk has been an elected official. As the requirements for this position became more technical, it is more common for this to be an appointed office. Specific duties of the clerk will be outlined in the charter. Additional duties may be assigned by the council and/or the manager.

What is the role of chief administrative officer?

In the same manner, the duties and role of the chief administrative officer for the municipality, variously known as a manager, administrator, or superintendent, are defined by local charter or, in some instances, by local ordinances —or a combination of the two.

What is home rule?

The home rule acts each place the legislative authority of the municipality in the council. It is important to remember that this authority is granted to the council as a whole, rather than to individual members, and that many of the powers granted to the council are permissive in nature rather than obligatory.

Is the treasurer elected?

Appointment of the treasurer by the council allows for the requirement of specific job skills and experience for the position, makes the treasurer accountable to the council, and provides greater job security and continuity. In 37 cities the treasurer is an elected position. As a general rule, the treasurer:

What is the legislative authority of a village?

“The legislative authority of villages shall be vested in the council.” (MCL 65.1). Villages operate as governments of law within a system of constitutional federalism and a complex network of federal and state laws and regulations. At the top are the guarantees and restraints found in the U.S. Constitution and federal legislation and regulations. Next are the Michigan Constitution, statutes, and regulations. Based on a professional understanding of the law and the interrelationships of various levels of the law, your village attorney will be able to assist you in determining which laws are applicable and how they apply to your village and to your role as trustee.

What is the General Law Village Act?

“AN ACT to provide for the government of certain villages, to define their powers and duties....” The General Law Village Act, PA 3 of 1895, serves as the charter for 208 Michigan villages. This Act not only defines the powers of general law villages, but also the roles and responsibilities of the elected and appointed officials of those villages.

What is the GLV Act?

The GLV Act also establishes the duties and responsibilities of the village president. Some administrative duties of the president may be transferred to a village manager. (These duties are noted in bold face.)

What is the difference between a township and a village?

Townships may hold an annual town meeting where citizens may participate and vote. This is not an option for villages. Only the president and the trustees may introduce an agenda item and vote on matters brought for action.

How many villages in Michigan have a village manager?

Of Michigan’s 208 general law villages, 56 have a village manager. In determining whether or not to establish the position of a village manager, each village must decide what will best meet the needs of the community.

Why should council rules include public hearings?

Public hearings offer citizens an opportunity to be heard —which is a a strength of a representative democracy. Even if not required by law, a public hearing can be useful in helping village officials understand how their constituents feel and why they feel that way.

Can a village amend the GLV?

General law villages can amend the provisions of the GLV Act (MCL 74.24) following the procedures outlined in the Home Rule Village Act, PA 278 of 1909, as amended (MCL 78.1-

What is the mayor of a city?

A mayor is the elected leader of a municipal government. In the strong mayor form of government, the mayor is the chief executive officer of the city. In the council-manager form of government, the mayor is the leader of the city council but has no greater official authority than any other council member.

What is the role of the mayor?

A mayor is the elected leader of a municipal government. In the strong mayor form of government, the mayor is the chief executive officer of the city.

How long was Jerry Springer mayor of Cincinnati?

Before hosting his low-brow television talk show, Jerry Springer was mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio. Springer served as mayor for a one-year term between 1977 and 1978.

What is the role of the mayor in the council-manager system?

In reality, the mayor is a first among equals on the city council. The mayor must use influence more than official power in order to drive the city’s policy agenda.

What is the role of the mayor in the city government?

Within the strong mayor form of government, the mayor acts as a chief executive officer. Much like a US president at the federal level, the executive authority within the city government is vested in the mayor.

What is the role of the city council?

The city council under the mayor’s leadership is the legislative body for the city while the city manager is the executive. The city council hires the manager to implement the laws and policies it adopts. The manager directs the staff in carrying out the city’s day-to-day operations.

Who was the mayor of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina?

For example, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin was constantly in the news in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Another incident of a mayor in front of the press during a disaster was New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

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Overview

  • The responsibilities and levels of authority of city and county elected officials differ from those held by executive staff, and it is critical to understand the difference in order to avoid unnecessary conflict and confusion. These roles and responsibilities derive from the state constitution, state laws, local ordinances, and (for home rule cities/counties) local charters. Unclear or misunderst…
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Legislative Bodies

  • City, town, and county councilmembers and county commissioners are legislators. Together, the councilmembers or commissioners constitute a legislative body that is given authority by the state constitution and state law to make local laws. Our political system is a representative democracy. Voters elect legislators to make policy decisions and enact laws on our behalf, whic…
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Executives

  • Mayors and city managers serve in the executive role for cities. In counties, executive authority lies with the commission, the county executive or county administrator, or a combination of the two. While executives often develop and propose policies, their basic responsibility is to carry out the legislative body’s directives and policies. The rel...
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Common Questions About Legislative vs. Executive Authority

  • Some of the most common questions surrounding the roles and responsibilities of the legislative body and the executive are related to personnel matters, agenda setting, veto power, policy setting, contracting authority, and emergency powers.
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Role of The City Attorney and County Prosecutor

  • City attorneys and county prosecutors have a unique relationship with the legislative body and the executive branch. The city attorney’s client is the city as an entity, and city attorney's role is to provide legal advice to all branches of city government, including the legislative body and executive. The city attorney will also represent the city in all actions brought by and against the c…
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What Staff Needs to Know About Elected Officials

  • Policy development processes are most effective and productive when the legislative body, the executive, and staff work well together. Each party has a role to play, along with clearly defined responsibilities. Conflicts often develop when the legitimate needs and roles of one party are not understood by another. Here are some suggestions that might make the policy development pro…
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What Elected Officials Need to Know About Staff

  1. Some key staff belong to national and state associations that hold members to professional and ethical standards. For example, many city managers and administrators belong to the Washington City/Co...
  2. Don’t ask for personal help with campaign and election issues. It is not appropriate to ask staff to help on personal political matters, and state law prohibits the use of public facilitiesfor ca…
  1. Some key staff belong to national and state associations that hold members to professional and ethical standards. For example, many city managers and administrators belong to the Washington City/Co...
  2. Don’t ask for personal help with campaign and election issues. It is not appropriate to ask staff to help on personal political matters, and state law prohibits the use of public facilitiesfor camp...
  3. Explore challenging issues with staff and encourage their creativity.Staff will sometimes take the position that they cannot pursue a certain initiative because it is contrary to existing code or p...
  4. Get to know and trust key staff.Staff can be a tremendous help in developing ideas, structuri…