Did you know when you cast your ballot, you are basically deciding to hire that individual for an open position in the government? Most people don’t think of it that way, and most politicians probably don’t want you to. But that’s exactly what you are doing…you are hiring the person you are voting for to represent you. But how can you determine if someone is qualified for that position if you don’t know the responsibilities of the position?
For years, I have voted people into office without fully understanding what they do in their positions. Unfortunately, I would guess that most voters are like me. And because most of us don’t understand the responsibilities of the positions, we aren’t as particular about our candidates as we probably should be. In fact, most of us spend more time checking out references for our dog groomers and boarders than we do the candidates who have the power to change our lives.
We’re Going to Change This
I don’t think this is what our founding fathers had in mind. I believe our founding fathers meant for us to take an active part in our government. So, that is what we at Knox County Conservative Republicans (KCCR) want to help you do.
Throughout the next year or more, we will periodically be examining different elected positions and giving you more information about them and the people who are “applying” for those positions. We want you to be able to make informed decisions. We want our readers to be extremely well-educated voters.
Let’s Start with Knoxville City Council
As you probably know, the City of Knoxville is holding their primary election in August. In fact, the final day for potential candidates to turn in their petitions with 25 qualified signatures is May 15. I don’t live in the city, but I wanted to know exactly what the City Council does.
How Much Power Does the City Council Have?
I sat down and searched through the City Charter and Code of Ordinances to find some answers. Let me assure you, it is not the most interesting reading. Under Article 4 – The Legislative Branch, the City Charter lists this under the subtitle “City Council – powers; composition.”
The legislative power and all other powers, except as otherwise provided in this charter and by general law, are vested in the council. The council may, by ordinance or resolution consistent with this charter, prescribe the manner in which any powers of the city shall be exercised, provide all means necessary or proper therefor, and do all things needful within or without the city or state to protect the rights of the city.
Read that again and let it sink in. Legislative powers are vested in the council. According to the Legal Information Institute, “legislative power is the power to make and alter laws.” We need to ask ourselves if we are comfortable with the people who are candidates for the office of City Council making and changing the laws that govern our city.
Go back and read that quote from the Charter again, especially the part about “provide all means necessary or proper therefor, and do all things needful within on without the city or state to protect the rights of the city.” That’s a lot of power!
Before we vote people into this office, we need to carefully consider whether they have the qualifications to make these decisions. Furthermore, we need to determine if their values align with ours and try to determine if they will adequately represent those of us in their district.
Qualifications for City Councilmembers
The city charter goes on to say that the council is composed of nine members “one (1) from each of six (6) councilmanic districts and three (3) councilmembers-at-large to be elected in a manner hereinafter set forth.”
The Charter also lists the qualifications – I’m numbering them here to make this a little more readable
Qualifications
- At least 21 years of age
- A resident of the city of Knoxville for one year prior to taking office
- Cannot hold any other elective public office or be a city of Knoxville employee
- District Councilmembers must reside in their districts for one year prior to taking office and must continue to live in their districts during their time in office.
- If redistricting results in a district councilmember nor living in his district he will continue to serve for the remainder of his term.
In Addition, the City of Knoxville Has These Powers
If the above information isn’t enough to make you seriously consider who you are voting for, you might like to think about the following quote from the “General Powers” section of the Knoxville Charter.
The City of Knoxville shall have and exercise all powers which now or hereafter would be competent for this charter specifically to enumerate, as fully and completely as though said powers were specifically enumerated herein…..
It is just me, or does that sound rather open-ended? In fact, you might find after reading the entirety of Article II: Corporate Powers that you are as amazed as I am at the enormity of power the City of Knoxville has over the lives of those who live in the city.
What Does This Look Like in Your Everyday Life?
City Council can approve or deny the city’s budget. They also confirm appointed members to boards and commissions.
They, along with the mayor, exercise power over our fire and police departments, have the power to change zoning codes, provide tax incentives for developers, direct policy on homelessness, and distribute millions to nonprofits.
This is just a very brief description of the qualifications and responsibilities of the City Council. While it is rather “dry”, I would encourage you to check out the city of Knoxville’s charter. It is rather illuminating. You can find it by clicking here.
Going Forward
In the future, we will be examining Knox County Commission and its powers, and other elected positions and their responsibilities. We will also be looking into what rights you as a citizen have, and what recourse you have when your elected officials aren’t adequately representing you.
Please share this blog post with your friends and family so that we can make Knoxville voters educated on the importance of not only voting in every election, but also on the importance of knowing what you are voting for. Check back frequently to learn more about our elected officials.