CHC 1979-06-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CHAIRMAN SAKATA: Any other discussion? MR. OMONAKA: A question, Mr. Chairman. Harlan, then are you saying that all department heads other than those that are set up like commissions, should have confirmation by the council on appointment? MR. CADINHA: As we go through the departments, I anticipate, just like Richard said, and we didn ' t get-together prior to the meeting, but I feel that way,_because as a practical matter, our council is unable to get to some departmentsin the county, where the person does not need council approval. The reception to councilmen that are feeling constituency pressure all the time, is either hot or cold, depending upon whether they need approval and from the broad philosophical outlook, I personally feel , and we've had this kind of testimony, that the council should be strengthened a little bit. I think this is a good way to add that strength and yet the mayor still has his administrative leeway. This does nothing to his administra- tive powers, at all . But it stops anyone in the future that may be wanting to line up some ducks on a fence and layer the nest, so to speak. This way, when it has got to come for confirmation every time, I think it is an additional safety valve. That is my logic. CHAIRMAN SAKATA: Is there any other discussion? It has been moved and seconded that we approve Section 5-3.2 on Appointment and Removal of the director of finance as amended that the : director of finance shall be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council and the removal will still be the pre- rogative of the mayor. . . MR. ISHIDA.• Maybe on that language, just to be y consistent, I don ' t know if legal counsel will go along with this but, the language on the corporation counsel reads, "shall be appointed bythe mayor with the approval of the council. " t Now, as far as just language-wise, legal counsel, which is better? Do you say confirmed, or just with approval? MR. ODA: Approval seems to be a kind of a relaxed term, where confirm seems to have a stronger connotation. That ' s the feeling I get. I would think confirmation is better. Approval is a little too broad and vague. MR. YANAGA: So what you are saying is the finance department head is appointed by the mayor and will get approval confirmation by the council. To remove him you will get another confirmation by the council. MR. CADINHA: No, the mayor can fire him. Just - for approval. Nothing against Stanley. I think the guy has done a good job. But just in the future, it ' s a good thing. CHAIRMAN SAKATA: Is there any other discussion? Are you ready for the question? Section 5-3. 2. It has been moved and seconded that the wording be changed that the director of finance shall be appointed by the mayor, confirmed by the council and may be removed by the mayor. (A roll call vote was taken and the motion was carried. ) -17-