1. Andrew's implication is correct, but he made a technical mistake. If we correct it, his point is even stronger
While we aren't a cabinet, we aren't a legislature either. We do not legislate (bylaws aren't laws). There are a few main differences.
While we aren't a cabinet, we aren't a legislature either. We do not legislate (bylaws aren't laws). There are a few main differences.
2. We don't have a government "side" and an opposition "side". Most council chambers are circular to symbolize the fact that all members are part of the government. We also do not have an executive (cabinet) function.
3. The Mayor has some limited powers (e.g. appointing committee chairs) but most of those are granted by Council and can be taken away by Council. We used this power to reign in Rob Ford when his behaviour was spiralling out of control.
4. Also, the Mayor losing a vote is not the same thing as the government losing a vote. On Thursday the Mayor supported giving away over $300 million in future tax revenue to a few developers. He lost, BUT THE GOVERNMENT DIDN'T fall.
5. In legislatures there is a sharp line between passing laws and administering them. The same line is drawn between budgeting for services and and delivering them. There are good reasons for drawing this line which I won't get into.
6. In a Council the line is not that sharp. In the broadest sense we are responsible for all actions of the City. In most cases we have voted to delegate those powers to staff, in a few cases we delegate to local councillors.
7. I can, for example, override an administrative decision to allow an oversize billboard in Ward 14, and send it to full council for a decision. Routinely, Council supports local Councillors who want to put up traffic lights and stop signs against staff advice.
8. So, we are all part of the government, we have no executive, and we can reach in and tailor services and rules locally. That is why we need closer relationships with the communities we represent, than MPs and MPPs have.
9. That is why we need to have more of us. If we are going to do hands on work that effects people's lives we need to know those people well. I confess to feeling I wish I had more time to check with people and fewer decisions as it is.
10. If I had twice the workload, I would have to make all but the biggest decisions blind. It would be simply impossible for me to check with you. That's wrong. - end
