On Constitution Day, we celebrate the framework that lets communities govern themselves. The U.S. Constitution doesn’t spell out city halls or village boards—that authority is reserved to the states and the people (10th Amendment). States, in turn, create municipalities and delegate powers to them. That’s how we get the local lawmaking bodies you see on your ballot: city councils in cities like Grants and boards of trustees in villages like Milan.
City councilors and village trustees both serve as the local legislature for the municipality they represent. The titles differ; the core job is the same—to make local law and set policy.
In practice, that means they:
• Pass ordinances (local laws that shape day-today life—public safety rules, land use and zoning, nuisance codes, and more).
• Adopt budgets and set fiscal priorities (how your local dollars support streets, parks, utilities, and services).
• Oversee policy for municipal departments and, depending on the form of government, confirm appointments or contracts.
• Set direction on long-range plans—economic development, infrastructure, and community amenities.
Where can things differ? Mostly in structure and name, not purpose.
Cities and villages can operate under state law or a local charter (a city’s “constitution”), which may define how many members serve, whether seats are elected by district or at-large, how the mayor or manager is empowered, and procedural details for meetings. The City of Grants has its own charter which gives it several rights, this election will be held in violation of the charter which mandates elections for city council to be held in March. The Grants City Council is aware and has acknowledged the coming election will be held in violation of the city charter.
In a mayor–council form like both Grants and Milan, the mayor functions as the executive. Either way, councilors/ trustees legislate; the executive administers.
City councilors and village trustees are the people who decide the rules closest to your front door—how your neighborhood grows, how safe routes are built, how parks are maintained, how utilities are managed, and how transparent local government is.
If you want a direct line between your vote and the condition of your street, your school crossings, your water rates, and your downtown, voting is it.
On this Constitution Day, it’s worth remembering: the promise of self-government only works when we use it. Learn who’s running, ask what priorities they’ll set, and make a plan to vote.
Your vote is your voice— and Your Voice Matters.