POLAND QUEST FOR LOCAL DEMOCRACY - THE ROLE OF POLISH MAYORS IN AN UNCERTAIN ENVIRONMENT

Local governments in many of the emerging democracies in Central and E astern Europe are viewed as important components in the government pro cess and as the building blocks for self-government and democracy. Dur ing this institution-building phase of democracy in Poland, the mayor plays a pivotal role in local government. This study examines the role of the mayor in Poland based on a survey of 289 mayors and many perso nal interviews. It specifically examines the degree of conflict and co operation between the mayor and the city council, the bureaucracy, and the community. It is clear that Polish communities face enormous obst acles and that if local government is to succeed, it must meet massive challenges.