In the United States, there are two common forms of local government that the vast majority of cities and towns have adopted. Burns has adopted the mayor-council government system, instead of the alternative, the council-manager government.[1] In this form of government, the voters elect a mayor. Depending upon the relationship between the executive and legislative branches, the mayor is either a strong-mayor or a weak-mayor. The mayor in Burns would be considered a strong mayor, as he does have the power to veto the council’s decisions, as well as appoint and dismiss department heads. As of April 9th, 2014, Craig LaFollette is the mayor of Burns.[2]Burns and Harney County in general is heavily republican. During the 2012 election, Mitt Romney (R) won 73 percent of the vote. Other republicans, either running for a state or national office, won a minimum of 63 percent of the vote.[3]
Other Officials in the Immediate Area
With its close proximity to the city of Hines and the Burns Paiute Tribe, as well as serving as the county seat for Harney County, Burns city officials often collaborate with city officials outside of Burns. The Burns Paiute are not governed by the Burns city government; instead a tribal council governs the tribe. The Paiute Indians also have their own police, healthcare services, court, and other civil services, including a community center.[4]
Contact Information
242 S Broadway
Burns, Oregon 97720
541-573-5255
FAX: 541-573-5622
[email protected]
Notes
[1] Jennifer Jenks, ed. Destination Harney County: 2013–14 Visitor and Relocation Information Guide (Burns, Oregon: Burns Times-Herald (Survival Media), 2013), 7.
[2] City of Burns, “City Council,” last modified 2014, http://www.ci.burns.or.us/citycouncil.html.
[3] Harney County, “Harney County, Oregon General Election: November 6, 2012,” Harney County. last modified November 6, 2012, http://www.co.harney.or.us/PDF_Files/County%20Clerk/Elections%202012/2012%20General%20Election%20November%206%20Harney%20County%20Oregon%208PM%20Final%20Results.pdf.
[4] Jenks, 7.
