Being mayor: What’s all the buzz about?

Noaki Schwartz

NEWS ANALYSIS

NEWPORT BEACH -- The largely symbolic position of mayor nevertheless

seems to generate an annual buzz in the city about who will hold the

post.

The reason, city officials say, is that beyond the obvious prestige of

the position, being mayor is more than sound bites and ribbon clipping.

“I think the mayor does have more power than other council members, but

not significantly,” Mayor Dennis O’Neil said. “It’s mainly the power to

appoint committees.”

And it is this appointment ability that helps to shape the city’s

policymaking, added Councilman Gary Adams.

City Council members will cast their votes Nov. 22, naming one among the

five as mayor for one year and another as vice mayor, also called mayor

pro tem.

Mainly, the mayor chairs meetings and facilitates discussions.

To former City Manager Robert Wynn, the mayor’s leadership abilities are

essential.

“I’ve always looked at the mayor as the spokesperson of the city,” said

Wynn, who served as city manager from 1971 to 1991.

The mayor also provides political leadership for the city and must

represent the City Council’s majority opinion. In addition, he or she

provides guidance for the city manager to shape city policies, Wynn said.

“It’s much easier for the city manager if there is a strong mayor,” he

added. “It helps the city manager considerably to do their job.”

Former Mayor Clarence Turner agreed with Wynn.

“If you handle yourself correctly, the mayor’s office is enhanced

accordingly,” he said. “Many people look at you as separate from the

council status, which is not a reflection of the council persons. As

leader of the city, you do swing more weight.”

It is also important to have a competent vice mayor, who can step in when

the mayor can’t attend an event, officials said. This is generally

considered training time for the city’s next leader.

“There are so many functions when the mayor is required to attend and

represent the city that there is a need to divide them between the mayor

and [vice] mayor,” O’Neil said. “Tom Thomson has done a fine job as

[vice] mayor. He’s been an effective [vice] mayor.”

As vice mayor, Thomson is in the running to be mayor for the next term.

Because a number of council members have declined to run for the

position, it appears that the field has narrowed to Thomson and

Councilman John Noyes.

The vice mayor position appears to still be up in the air.