Urban Administration — Social Science STD 6 — Question

Councillors are elected by the people and keep their positions only if they are re- elected. Officials are appointed on the merit basis by council management to a specified jobs within the municipal administration, and are like any other employee in a job. Officials possess the knowledge and skills on the technical and specialized aspects of municipal affairs. Councillors who don't have this knowledge have to rely on the reports of officials to help them make decisions. Both the Councillors and officials decide the policies and direction of the municipality. Once the council has reached a decision then officials are expected to carry these out in the most efficient and cost- effective manner.