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October 09. 2014 2:00AM Since You Asked: Medford mayor has a few tools at his disposal I know there's not an election for Medford's mayor this year. But it's political season, so I have a question about the mayor's role in Medford. What kind of power does the elected mayor wield here? — Arnie K., Medford We asked the Hon. Gary Wheeler, mayor of Medford, what kind of tools he has at his disposal. Wheeler told us he runs City Council meetings but doesn't set the agenda. That role belongs to City Manager Eric Swanson. In some respects, the mayor works like a legislative whip, making sure the votes are there when a matter comes to vote. "It would be the same as anybody in politics at any level," Wheeler said. "If you feel passionate about something, you can speak to it. For me, it's in the City Council or another public venue such as the Rotary Club or Chamber forums. While Wheeler doesn't vote on matters such as resolutions and ordinances, he can break ties. "The City Council has up and down votes — in essence they wield the power of the vote," Wheeler said. "I can't vote unless it's a tie, so I have to be a good leader." What the mayor does have at his disposal is a veto. That's something Wheeler has never used, nor does he know of a mayor who has used it. Like a governor, if he prefers not signing off on an ordinance, he can let time pass until it goes into effect on its own. Send questions to “Since You Asked,” Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by email to [email protected]. We’re sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them. http://www.mailtribune.com/article/20141009/NEWS/141009693 © 2015 Copyright © 1995-2011 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement -->