The United States has a Constitution.
The State of California has a Constitution.
Did you know the City of Visalia has a Constitution?
It does. Although it’s called a “Charter”.
I read it last night. Not particularly thrilling reading, but interesting.
(again, interesting to me. Your mileage, as always, may vary)
It was approved by Visalia voters in January 1923, and ratified by the California State Legislature on February 26, 1923.
Fifteen people ran for the first City Council to operate under the new Charter, in April, 1923, and five were selected by 1,326 votes.
Recently, I commented here about someone speaking at a City Council meeting, and her not being aware of how the office of Mayor worked in Visalia.
Here’s the scoop directly from the City Charter:
Article VI
Legislative. The Council. Powers and Duties
Section 5. Certain Powers and Duties Enumerated: The Council shall–
(4) Choose one of its members as presiding officer, to be called Mayor. The Mayor shall preside over the sessions of the Council, shall sign official documents when the signature of the Council or Mayor is required by law, and he shall act as the official head of the City on public and ceremonial occasions. He shall have power to administer oaths and affirmations. When the Mayor is absent from any meeting of the Council, the members of the Council may choose another member to act as Vice Mayor, and he shall for the time being, have the powers of the Mayor.
The City Manager, as outlined in Article 8, actually runs the day-to-day operation of the City.
Another curiosity: Article 16, Section 21. It says (Deleted November 4, 1974). No amendment seen on the website, so now I wonder what Section 21 was. (Maybe it’s our own Area 51! Wouldn’t that be cool!)
Some odd wording in some places, and all the pronouns are male.
Some updating might be in order, but that would take a vote of the people, and I’m not sure anyone in the city is eager to take on that challenge.
Rabbit holes. Deep ones.
“Oh my ears and whiskers, how late it’s getting!”
Wanna read the Charter for yourself? You can find it here: https://www.visalia.city/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=4024