Outside of being a Senator, almost every political job seems really terrible to me. I don't think my local government is doing a good job, but I would never, ever, ever, want to be in their shoes. House reps have to be running constantly. Most governors and mayors are dealing with crappy budgets, institutional corruption, degrading infrastructure, etc.
Outside of being a Senator, almost every political job seems really terrible to me. I don't think my local government is doing a good job, but I would never, ever, ever, want to be in their shoes. House reps have to be running constantly. Most governors and mayors are dealing with crappy budgets, institutional corruption, degrading infrastructure, etc.
Smaller cities and towns seem to have it easier but perhaps it’s a matter of perspective.
I live next door to Albany, CA and the city is well run with little to no headlines except when it comes to residents pushing to block a large corporate pharmacy chain to not open a location at the large strip of Solano Avenue.
On the other hand, with larger cities like Oakland, there are a lot more moving parts and headaches to deal with.
Good points. And the fact that the Mayor is held accountable for what goes on in the police is another reason why I don’t envy anyone in the position.
That said, there are good examples of former Mayors who have gone on to being legislators:
Senator Mark Begich - Was Mayor of Anchorage, AK for six years before replacing the late Senator Ted Stevens in the Senate. Was a great advocate for Social Security.
CA State Senator Jesse Arreguin - Served as Mayor of Berkeley for eight years before being elected to the CA State Senate to replace retiring State Senator Nancy Skinner.
Mayor is a shit job..but some folks are somehow effective at it..imo strong city manager is the better model; then the political aspect is more oversight
Outside of being a Senator, almost every political job seems really terrible to me. I don't think my local government is doing a good job, but I would never, ever, ever, want to be in their shoes. House reps have to be running constantly. Most governors and mayors are dealing with crappy budgets, institutional corruption, degrading infrastructure, etc.
Smaller cities and towns seem to have it easier but perhaps it’s a matter of perspective.
I live next door to Albany, CA and the city is well run with little to no headlines except when it comes to residents pushing to block a large corporate pharmacy chain to not open a location at the large strip of Solano Avenue.
On the other hand, with larger cities like Oakland, there are a lot more moving parts and headaches to deal with.
Being a mayor is either the cushiest job or the worse job.
Even in affluent, somewhat well-run Seattle, Bruce Harrell is about to become the first mayor in 20 years who’ll be re-elected
Good points. And the fact that the Mayor is held accountable for what goes on in the police is another reason why I don’t envy anyone in the position.
That said, there are good examples of former Mayors who have gone on to being legislators:
Senator Mark Begich - Was Mayor of Anchorage, AK for six years before replacing the late Senator Ted Stevens in the Senate. Was a great advocate for Social Security.
CA State Senator Jesse Arreguin - Served as Mayor of Berkeley for eight years before being elected to the CA State Senate to replace retiring State Senator Nancy Skinner.
Mayor is a shit job..but some folks are somehow effective at it..imo strong city manager is the better model; then the political aspect is more oversight
Indeed. LBJ actually proposed that US Representatives serve four year terms rather than two year terms for that very reason.
I like the 2 year aspect of the House as is