Abandoning the mayor model

The mayor model has been seen in Tuusula – the position of municipal manager is open for applications.

During the 2017–2021 electoral term, Tuusula has implemented a municipal management system based on the mayor model. The results of the experiment have been modest. The key objectives of the mayor programme have not been achieved, and the residents do not seem to have embraced the mayor model. After one term of the experiment, it is time to conclude that this has been seen. We propose that Tuusula return to normal municipal management.

In Tuusula, the mayor model has meant, among other things, that the municipality has had a mayor and two deputy mayors on the payroll during the 2017–2021 council term. The selections have been made by the largest council groups from among their members.

After the elections, the municipality drew up a mayoral programme setting out the action plan and objectives for the council term. In many key areas, the programme failed to be implemented. The municipality’s finances were not balanced, nor was the municipality’s attractiveness to growth. In terms of services, the decision was made to cut back on the municipality’s village school network.

The start of a new council term is a natural time to make decisions about the future of the mayor model. Based on four years of experience, it is safe to conclude that the mayor model in Tuusula did not meet the expectations or objectives set for it. There is no point in continuing this experiment; this has been proven.

We propose that the mayor model be abandoned and that the municipality of Tuusula be managed in the same way as the vast majority of municipalities in Finland. Almost all municipalities similar to Tuusula have also opted for a professional municipal management model.

When the position of Mayor of Tuusula is opened up for public application, it is certain to attract a large number of excellent candidates with the required education, work experience and proven track record. Let us select the most qualified candidate and start developing Tuusula with a professional approach towards a new upswing.

This content has been translated using AI

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