The Haftarah reading follows the Torah reading on each Sabbath and on Jewish festivals and fast days. Typically, the haftarah is thematically linked to the parasha (Torah portion) that precedes it. The haftarah is sung in a chant (known as trope in Yiddish or Cantillation in English). Related blessings precede and follow the Haftarah reading.
A city resident wishing to become mayor must specifically run for that office. The mayor acts as the official head of city government and presides at City Council meetings. The mayor is a voting member of the Council. The mayor also appoints Council members to City Council committees and liaison positions. In May 2000, voters approved the current election system of nine Council members elected by single-member districts and a voting mayor elected at large.
Five Commission Members are elected at large on a non-partisan basis for four year terms. The candidate with the highest number of votes serves as the Mayor. The Commission appoints the City Manager, who is the Chief Administrative Officer of the City and is responsible for implementing policies adopted by the City Commission.