The city council makes decisions that impact your daily life, and it’s a good idea to be informed about the candidates running. Watch debates and town halls, read your local newspaper coverage and research the different policies each candidate supports.
The charter and state law set what are, for the most part, standardized and well accepted procedural rules that govern the official action of the council. They include the important, standard protection that meetings must be open to the public and a journal of proceedings is kept as a record.
There are 35 standing committees and subcommittees — each with its own oversight functions — to which every council member belongs. Some of the committees are dedicated to specific topics, such as zoning, city land and buildings, parks and landmarks. Others are charged with a broad range of city issues, like community development, finance and the administration of the mayor’s office. The speaker of the council and the council’s majority and minority leaders are ex officio members of all committees.
Each year, the council must hold an independent audit of the city’s finances, a requirement that is widely considered essential to sound government. The council also has the power to make investigations of “the conduct of any department, office or agency of the city.” It can do so by establishing its own committees with jurisdiction, membership and a chair, or by creating special task forces or ad hoc committees. The council also has the power to subpoena witnesses and compel the production of evidence.