שיתוף הציבור בשלטון המקומי בישראל

The position of elected officials in Israel Local Government regarding Public Participation in decision-making and institutionalizing participatory procedures in a binding systemic manner

Abstract

The main issue of this study is the concept of the transition to Israeli participatory democracy as a model for upgrading and stabilizing representative democracy by increasing government legitimacy. The proposed method of research is the participation of the public in decision-making in local government in Israel through procedures of sharing, which include discussion sessions on various issues on the agenda. Procedures for public participation have been taking place in Israel, mainly through the local government for several years, at an increasing pace. Along with this, and in the distinction between substantive public participation and alleged cooperation, there are many cases in which the cooperative processes are not carried out properly. Therefore, according to the concept behind the study, it is desirable to implement a structural reform in the local government. It dictates the existence of the cooperative procedures in an orderly fashion. The existence or non-existence of procedures for the participation of the residents depends on the willingness of the elected officials. This study examines in a focused manner the position of the elected representatives, the level of public participation in Israel, the factors influencing the position of the decision makers, their considerations as more or less important regarding the participation of the residents, and the way to establish these procedures in a systematic and binding manner. The broad empirical basis of the study includes a broad survey among the heads of local committees, interviews with all the Mayors of the 15th Forum - which brings together the independent cities in Israel - and a survey among the members of the councils of all these cities. The responses given to the surveys and interviews provide an important resource for understanding the positions of the elected officials and senior officials in the local government regarding the public's participation. Moreover, indirectly, a description of what is happening today in Israel regarding the participation of residents in making governmental decisions.

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