Is it common for mayors to be volunteers?

[TickTockMan]

I just found out my mayor is. I've wondered for a while why we hardly ever have an election for it, now I know why.

 

[NotThatCreative]

Depends on the form of government your city has. It's common, though, for city government officials to have other jobs. Or, at least, it's not uncommon.

 

[LonelyInVenice]

I just found out my mayor is. I've wondered for a while why we hardly ever have an election for it, now I know why.

Depends on local ordinances, I guess. In Florida, for instance, some towns don't have mayors, in others it's an elected position, and in still others it's more of an honorary position within the city counsel. Virtually all, though (I believe) have "city managers" which largely covers the duties I most think of as being traditionally mayoral.

 

[Kulindahr]

I've known a mayor who was a plumber and recently met one who sells serious scooters in the evenings and on Saturdays. So if by "volunteer" you mean someone who volunteers for some NfP organization, it doesn't surprise me.

If, OTOH, you mean that the position isn't elected or paid, but he just showed up and said, "Yeah, I'll do this job", I have to wonder if you're kidding.

 

[LonelyInVenice]

And then there are places where a mayor is appointed or elected, yet receives no remuneration. In that sense, it's a "volunteer" position.

 

[SuperPsyze]

So in some places, the Mayor is equivalent to the head of some Home Owners Association? That's kinda scary >_>

 

[Kulindahr]

So in some places, the Mayor is equivalent to the head of some Home Owners Association? That's kinda scary >_>

Scary because tyrannical.

 

[TickTockMan]

I've known a mayor who was a plumber and recently met one who sells serious scooters in the evenings and on Saturdays. So if by "volunteer" you mean someone who volunteers for some NfP organization, it doesn't surprise me.

If, OTOH, you mean that the position isn't elected or paid, but he just showed up and said, "Yeah, I'll do this job", I have to wonder if you're kidding.

See below. We elect them, but since I have lived here it is usually only one person running.

From what I hear they put in around 40 hours a week running the city, but they get no pay. The lady that got the job last night basically won because she doesn't need to work and the guy that ran against her works as a lobbist for his living. What makes no sense to me is he works for the city lobbying to get things for the city. I would think it would be smarter to have him as mayor.

The mayor elect's people painted him as a bad lobbist and heathen non church goer, even though he is religous (just more liberal in thinking than her) and he is pretty much already doing what she will be doing as mayor. Just on a smaller scale.

And then there are places where a mayor is appointed or elected, yet receives no remuneration. In that sense, it's a "volunteer" position.

I guess I am just surprised someone would volunteer that much for so little. It make me not trust them.

 

[TickTockMan]

So in some places, the Mayor is equivalent to the head of some Home Owners Association? That's kinda scary >_>

That's what it sounds like. What's really scary is Salem is Oregon's capital. Anything having to do with the state effects us somewhat.