Town Council

I'd like to just air my thoughts for future reference here regarding the town council idea. First off let me state that I think it is a good idea for a mayor to have advisors with varying responsibilities.

It has been proposed and supported by numerous people that after a mayoral election the runner-up should automatically become an advisor. I personally see this as not necessarily a beneficial thing. Mayor elections as with all others essentially are popularity contests. While one would prefer them being based on merit, policy and capabilities, they largely are not. I can think of several cases where less than capable individuals have won offices. Now, they don't always win or even necessarily become runner-up but for the fact that they have means that we already are put in a position with the council where its potential is not able to be realized. Those who try however I am at least sympathetic towards and willing to help. However there is a class of individuals that run for office successfully and do absolutely nothing. They're lazy, unorganized and all around care for nothing more then having the title of said office. Such an individual does absolutely nothing for the council.

There is one benefit that I see in having a runner-up on the council and that would be to add to the political stability within Chard. It makes the other side feel wanted as their front man or woman is accepted into a position of significance. If one feels it necessary to accept the runner-up despite serious short comings, should any be had, then I feel they should make up an extra seat. They should not be in charge of a requried seat.


Moving along as I hope that my point has been made I would like to make an inquiry as to the structure of said council. Essentially open discussion. The key with being mayor and having a council is that all need to trust each other. I'm sure that everyone here knows this. Still, the mayor should have their own private forum to keep reports made by his or her advisors and with their own observations and conclusions from what they heard or saw first hand and based upon the reports presented to the mayor. Then the council forum for the council and mayor to talk on. There reports would be presented to the mayor.

There are many possible structures for the council. One which comes to my mind is having someone reviewing and reporting on the economic situation within Chard. A second council member would keep an eye out on group movements and any external threats which may approach Chard. A third council member would work to greet new players in the town and train them up.

I'm sure that some of these jobs are already performed even if unofficially but it is always good to get it organized into or under one unit, the mayor, so that he or she may properly respond in the towns best interest. The trick after finding who to fill these positions is to find trustworthy people willing and able to go abroad and sell any of our excess.

Ultimately though I personally believe that everyone in the town should register on these forums. It would allow them a more organized area with which to communicate with each other then the RK forums while also allowing for a smoother transition after each election process. Each guild and group from Chard I personally feel should definately have a private forum here to more easily communicate with the mayor.

Regardless, I'm a firm believer that since the mayor in this representative democracy of a town is elected to their position that they may decide as they wish provided that their actions do not violate law as it stands then. The council should not have the ability to override the mayors power with exception of the mayor breaking the law. At such a point in time the Somersets council approval of a revolt or rebellion is necessary before any such a thing is even attempted.

I'm certain that you could see at a certain point my post becomes rushed. I must leave for work in a few minutes and so I'm leaving it as is. Feel free to reply as the main points which are in mind right now have been brought up.

To comment on your suggestions, we are increasing the number of council members currently, we are thinking 5 will be a good number at the moment for voting purposes, and yes the Mayor still has control as he was elected, the council members are just helping with some administration/decision making and keeping the mayor up to date on issues in town

Its still evolving right now into something that will truly benefit and help Chard grow, and I'm looking forward to seeing how well we can make this town council work

I think the council is a great idea. From what I can tell so far, a huge amount of responsibilities rest on the mayor, and official positions would give credit to people who do work for Chard/the mayor.

What would council members vote on if the mayor still has control? Just wondering. Also, if the mayor has 1 vote, 1 mayor + 5 council members = 6 votes, which is an even number.

The mayor is one of the 5 members. the mayor + 4 council members.

Souchion I want to thank you for taking the time to reflect on these matters and place questions and critisism where its due. This proves to me that the idea of council really works.

Now let me explain further what I have done so far.

1. I wanted the runner up in elelctions to be on the council for several of reasons.
Now I wanted to make sure that when running for office you dont have to win to have a say in things. The runner up now have a chance to serve and thus keeeping an eye on his political opponent.

2. I have included the town merchant into this program with the intention that he is to make deals with other towns and traders. He will recieve a copy of the towns inventory and a guideline for prices he is to operate within.
This way we have a member of the council who will have a feeling of what is moving in the towns economy.
This is also made to prevent mayors froom cheating and thus allocating themself wealth on the towns expense.

3. I have appointed an advisor at my own descretion. This option is solely for the mayor to choose a player in which he trust to help him come up with new ideas to better the town. He has no official task (as of yet ) other than to be a think tank.

I really like your idea about having council member to organize some help for newcomers. This is important sincethe first few days in this game is crucial for wether or not a new citizen lose interest or not.
Point taken into consideration !

New I need another person in the council who will work with making a miine lottery and ofcause take part of the discussion in council in general.

Maybe you would be interested ... ?
You seem to be a thinker and I like that.

To the interested public:

The current Town Council consists of:

Bellos (Mayor)
Vicombra (Runner up)
MikeBlack (Adviser)
Rebo(Merchant)
LadyMarshmellow(general helper outer and mine lottery setter upper) (sorry marshy I dunno what else you're called...)

So yeah, theres 5 people now, the current projects are focused on trade and ensuring the town market is supplied adequately and getting the miners lottery working.

Heh heh , forgot to update this,

Council III of Chard is in order:

Mayor Mike Black
2nd In Command Vicombra
Advisor Bellos
Internal Affairs LadyMarshmellow
Town Merchant Rebo
Head Mentor Poliphilus
Police Chief -empty-

We're working hard, have no fear

hello,

can i get access to Town Hall council?

thx

Crepitus,

Under the current system, only members of the Town Council have access to the Town Council forum.

If you would like to run for town council there, please feel free to submit an application with the mayor, currently LadyMarshmellow.

The last post on this page gives a brief description of the Town Council positions: http://forum.renaissancekingdoms.com/viewtopic.php?t=35668&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=30

Good luck,
Rebo

Rebo wrote:

Crepitus,

Under the current system, only members of the Town Council have access to the Town Council forum.

If you would like to run for town council there, please feel free to submit an application with the mayor, currently LadyMarshmellow.

The last post on this page gives a brief description of the Town Council positions: http://forum.renaissancekingdoms.com/viewtopic.php?t=35668&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=30

Good luck,
Rebo

Thanks