Friday, March 29, 2024

WOW … Christianity and Voting-City Council

Christianity and Voting-City Council – by A Beloved Daughter

Vote - Flag (Getty/iStock)
(Getty/iStock)

Read:  Romans 13:1 – admonishes believers to be under the authority of the governing authorities.

Read:  1 Timothy 2:1-2 entreats us to pray for those in authority. (Even when we don’t like him/her.)

Let’s look at an often-overlooked voting opportunity, a City Council election, our local governing body. Hopefully this article will lead us to do more research into this legislative body. Reading more about the local elections and the candidates, and their views; reevaluate its importance in our daily life. Become a more engaged and knowledgeable citizen of our community and not put too much stock in any upcoming “presidential election.”

What is a city council?

It’s a group of elected officials tasked with serving and representing their constituents’ interests in this legislative body. It also manages the city’s budget, propose, pass, and ratifies laws, and ordinances.

The City Council also appoints the City Manager, City Secretary, City Attorney and Municipal Court Judge.

How are the members elected?

Although the requirements to serve may vary from city to city, most areas have usual the age, citizenship, and residential requirements with term limits which also may vary from one jurisdiction to another.

Council members can be elected in single-member districts or at-large, or in some cases, a combination of the two. When council members are elected from single-member districts, the city is divided geographically so that citizens can vote in only one district. This system helps ensure that the issues and problems specific to one part of town are brought to the attention of the entire council.

All citizens may vote for each city council member race when council members are elected at-large. This system can lead to parts of town being ignored by the city council. When voter turnout is low, it is easy for well-connected, affluent citizens to be elected in at-large races. Reference

How many members are on the city council?

It generally consists of 5-50 members, or can have as few as 3?

*The odd number of members eliminates the tie-breaker.

What are the members called?

Generally, the members are called council man, council woman, council person.

* In Canada they are usually called a councilor.

Vote - Flag
(Getty/iStock)

Are there term limits established for council members?

Yes, and it’s usually addressed in the city’s charter. After a member has served the allotted time limit, the council member is prohibited from running in the next election cycle. ​

What will it take to get you involved with your local government?

Let’s say there’s an upcoming bill that proposes parks only allow small dogs in. Your best walking buddy is a 90-pound Akita named Zeus. Would you be interested in voting against that bill? Or, simple decide that the two of you will curtail your walks to just around the neighborhood?

Honestly, this legislative body serves you, the constituent. You can speak to a council member in person, via email, or bring your concerns to them face to face during public hearings to voice your support or opposition to any bill.  Good council members want to hear from their constituents. They welcome your voice and your concerns.

Keep in mind, we don’t vote in a vacuum; we vote as a collective, and if enough of us cast our votes in agreement with a just cause, a favorable final tally could bring aid and justice to the people we care most about. I invite you to read Acts 2:44, and imagine a world with that mindset…then make plans to Vote!

 

WOW…Works of Wonder…The Single Christians Experience is a 501(c)3 charitable organization.  WOW exists to glorify God and build His kingdom.  WOW fellowships with like minded people and performs community service.  WOW represents single Christians throughout the Dallas Fort Worth Texas Metroplex.  Everyone is welcome

 

 

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Don’t miss two exciting events!

Divided by Faith Virtual/zoom Book Club

What: Divided by Faith Virtual Book Club

Why: Divided by Faith investigates race relations between whites and blacks in the United States. Although white evangelicals have a well-intentioned desire to end racial inequality, their efforts can—and have—unwittingly serve to do more harm than good, “actually recreating racial divisions and inequalities,” (p 1). WOW…Now is the time to build bridges and not tear down structure and people through meaningful, respectful, candid dialogue at a zoom book club. It is important that we have a diverse group of white people and black people present at the Divided by Faith Book Club. All is welcome

When: October 31st – December 19th

Strong Recommendation: Order Your Book now! Post Office is overwhelmed. Book sells out quickly

 

 

Join cooking with Drette via zoom for the Month of November.

 

Drette will share a few of her favorite recipes with you as well as the history behind each dish.

It will be a fun and interactive time you don’t want to miss!

Below is a list of delicious foods Drette has lined up to cook for your viewing pleasure.

 

Crawfish Etouffee

Chicken Alfredo pasta

Collard greens and yams

Chicken tortilla soup

 

WOW…Works of Wonder…The Single Christians Experience is a 501©3 charitable organization.

 

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