By JOE BOCANEGRA
Special to the NEWS
Tuesday evening, the San Benito City Commission read through the first reading of the ordinance proposing to amend various sections of the City Charter.
The reading was met with general approval throughout the commission with the exception of a few items.
During the reading, City Attorney Ricardo Morado, citing state constitutional law, said a slight revision should be made indicating that the mayor pro-tem can only serve as mayor, in the case of a vacancy, if elected through a special election.
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1 comment
The proposed amendment to the City Charter will allow “each” member of the City Commission (including the Mayor who also has voting authority) to nominate a person to serve on established Boards or Commissions, subject to the majority approval of the City Commission (including the Mayor).
It is “not” taking away the authority of the Mayor to make appointments. It is deleting the authority of the Mayor to make “ALL” appointments.
Sharing in the appointment process is the common thread among all the cities in the RGV and Texas. The reason being is that “ALL” members of the Commission or Council including the Mayor have been elected by a “majority of the voters” and they should “ALL” share in the appointment process.
I have yet to find one other city in the State of Texas where all appointments are done by the Mayor of the City.
The highest obligation or authority given to the position of the Mayor in our city via the City Charter is actually the signing of all bonds, ordinances, resolutions, proclamations, contracts, deeds and conveyances. It is the signature of the Mayor that is on all legal documents or obligations of the City of San Benito and its Citizens. The Mayor still maintains this authority!
This is what is called a Democracy!