Liberty Party wants City Charter amended before confirmation
Written by Vivian Gartyn
Monday, 16 February 2009
The opposition Liberty Party has called on the Senate not to confirm any appointed city mayor until city charters are amended.
At a press conference, Liberty Party Standard Bearer Charles Brumskine said the charters give authority to elected not appointed mayors.
Cllr. Brumskine quoted a portion of the charter which gives city mayors the authority to create municipal laws and levy taxes.
He argued levying taxes lie solely with the Legislature, which can dedicate the function to legislative bodies of municipality.
Cllr. Brumskine noted the action is justified by accountability to the people and as such appointed officials who serve at the will and pleasure of the President can not operate under the charter.
He recommended the repealing of all city charters to create the legal framework under which appointed city mayors can operate.
He also recommended the holding of a referendum to overturn the Supreme Court’s ruling on the appointment of city mayors as another option.
The Supreme Court in 2008 ruled in favor of the Executive, giving the President the power to appoint city mayors.
Meanwhile, a group of citizens under the banner: Concern Citizens, have issued a ten-count petition asking the senate to confirm Madam Mary Broh as City Mayor.
The Chairman of the group Thomas Bedell told Star Radio Madam Broh has a proven record of transforming government functionaries and is trustworthy.
According to Mr. Bedell, Madam Broh is an honest woman, an excellent manager and an agent of change.
The Concern Citizens said Monrovia was too dirty and need someone with the skills and passion to make it better.
Mr. Bedell said it was unfortunate for politicians to be playing politics with someone who has the passion to make Monrovia resemble a city.
On the issue of violating the constitution, he said it is only the courts that determine constitutional violation.
The Concern Citizens believe some senators would put aside heir political interest and confirm the City Mayor designate especially ahead of the international women colloquium.
THIS ARTICLE WAS LIFTED FROM STAR RADIO WEB SITE
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