Mar. 4, 2025 11p
(WGTD)---There’s been a subtle shift in power at Racine City Hall.
In a four-hour-long meeting Tuesday night, the Racine City Council voted to take for themselves some powers in council governance that have traditionally been held by the mayor. It’s a reaction to a belief held by some council members that the current mayor—Cory Mason—is guilty of occasional political overreach.
The key change—approved on a narrow vote—allows the council president to appoint members of standing council committees rather than the mayor. In addition, the individual committees will elect their own chairs instead of ceding that task to the mayor.
Council presidents will continue to be selected by the members themselves.
Traditionally, mayors have been apt to appoint like-minded individuals to positions of power within the committee structure.
Change proponent Alder Melissa Kaprelian said the proposals were designed to properly rebalance governance. "The basis of governance is to have this separation of branches," she said. "The question would be posed to those who do not want this is why do you want to give your power to the executive branch? (Is it) because (it's) what you're comfortable with? But that's not what is right for our constituents."
Not everyone agreed. "My power is in my vote," said Alder Marlo Harmon. "It really isn't to add additional responsibilities to me on selecting presidents and vice-presidents of committees...I think that's what my constituents would like and that's how I would like to continue to use my power."
The mayor retains his veto power and his ability to appoint members to the council’s Executive Committee. He will also continue to chair council meetings, and can attend and speak at committee meetings.
Tuesday night's meeting was chaired by Council President Terry McCarthy. Mayor Mason was not present.
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