CITY councillors were on Thursday reminded that the administrators and officials at City Hall are there to execute the decisions of the council.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan sought to clarify a point made by former Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, at an orientation session arranged on Thursday for the benefit of new councillors.

Chase-Green, during her remarks just prior to Bulkan, alluded to the fact that she “served under” a number of different senior officers at the council.
“Speaking of serving and service…I note that the former mayor, maybe casually, remarked to having served under some of the administrators. She referred to a town clerk and a city engineer. But of course, it is important that you recognise as councillors, that you do not serve under those administrators or officials of the council. It’s the other way around,” Bulkan pointed out.

He highlighted that the officers are there to execute the decisions that councillors make. “It is important that you understand that the legislation that governs this council gives you that authority and responsibility. You should not lose sight of that fact.”
The minister said too, that central government is interested in preserving the autonomy of the City Council. “We have no desire to dictate the workings of council,” he said.
He told the councillors that they have the authority to decide from where the council can garner additional revenue.

“This administration will work closely with all local democratic organs respecting this vital issue. This administration has firmly embraced a decentralised approached to governance. We support the vision of local government organs moving beyond the conventional regulatory maintenance functions and entering into the wider arena for development,” Bulkan stated.

He also urged the councillors to guard against all conflict of interest. “Councillors must be mindful of this as they seek to promote good governance. Section 70 of 28:01 (Municipal and District and Councils Act) speaks to this issue. You are expected to discharge your duties with integrity and ensure that the administrative officers do the same.”
Meanwhile, the former mayor observed that the new dispensation puts a heavier load on each councillor that has a constituency to represent.

Chase-Green said the councillors ought to look at working harmoniously in the council. “It is not about your personal achievement or your personal gain; it is about the citizens we represent. Let us not, because we are from different political parties, see things differently. When we come to the table, let it not be a personality clash; let it be an agreement that will benefit every single citizen.”

Chase-Green said as a realistic individual, she understands that there may be persons who may not be liked. “You may not like the person…I am telling you the realities that may occur. You may not like the person who would bring a proposal to you. But is it the messenger, or is it the message we need to look at? I think in the long run, we need to look at the message.”