City councils
Patrick Dowd, a 40-year-old Pittsburgh City Council member, has announced his candidacy for mayor, challenging incumbent Luke Ravenstahl's leadership. Dowd, who has been a member of City Council since January 2008, believes that Ravenstahl has failed to work collaboratively with the council and has made critical decisions that
City councils
The Scottish Tories have followed David Cameron's lead in calling for elected mayors to be introduced in Scotland, with the goal of improving local accountability. The proposal is part of a broader effort to reform local government, which has been hindered by proportional representation and the resulting hung
City councils
Conservative Party leader David Cameron has announced plans to fast-track legislation through Parliament, potentially leading to Birmingham holding a referendum on an elected mayor as early as May 2011. If the referendum passes, a mayoral election could be held in May 2012, with the elected mayor taking control of the
City councils
Bill Foster, a former St. Petersburg City Council member, has officially filed to run for mayor, bringing a new dynamic to the upcoming election. Foster, a lawyer, has been planning his campaign for months and expects to hold a public event in early March to unveil his campaign slogan and
City councils
Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner has introduced legislation to help Health Care REIT, a Toledo real estate investment trust, acquire and renovate the former Dana Holding Corp. headquarters. The proposal aims to incentivize the company to relocate its corporate headquarters to the 160-acre campus, creating about 40 new jobs over the
City councils
The Ventura City Council, facing a projected $12 million budget deficit by 2011, is exploring the possibility of placing a half-cent sales tax measure on the ballot. However, before making a final decision, the council has agreed to hold a special town hall meeting on February 17 to discuss the
City councils
The Cedar Rapids City Council has voted to put a 1 percent local-option sales tax on the ballot for March 3, aiming to raise money for flood recovery efforts. The tax is expected to generate $18 million or more annually for Cedar Rapids and up to $29 million annually countywide
City councils
Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin has proposed adding 400 sworn officers to the city's police force, citing rising crime concerns in many neighborhoods. The proposal comes as the city faces a $50 million budget shortfall and Franklin has asked for a property tax increase to pay for the hires.
City councils
Stoughton's mayor since 2002, Helen Johnson, will step down due to family obligations, leaving a void in the city's leadership. Johnson, 72, is remembered for her unwavering dedication to the city and its residents, particularly during challenging times like the 2005 tornado and the controversy surrounding
City councils
In a rare move, Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz actively sought opponents for Ald. Brenda Konkel, 2nd District, citing her approach to issues as a reason for his involvement. The mayor's attempt to challenge Konkel has drawn opposition from the council president, Tim Bruer, who believes the mayor'
City councils
As the city of Atlanta faces significant financial difficulties, city council members are slated to vote on a plan to freeze their salaries and that of the mayor until the city's finances are in better shape. The move comes after a citizen commission recommended a 50% salary increase
City councils
Worcester's mayor, City Council, and School Committee members are set to receive significant pay raises, as the City Council voted without debate to approve an amendment to the city's salary ordinance. Effective January 10, the day after Mayor Timothy P. Murray leaves office to assume his
