Proposed Law: Faster elections for city Rabbi

Sometimes it happens that a city rabbi dies or retires and no new rabbi is appointed for a very long time. Sometimes this happens because of fighting among the politicians involved as to the identity of the new rabbi, and other times because of apathy to the issue or even because of finances as a city that might feel less of a pressing need for a new rabbi prefers to save that salary.

MK Betzalel Smotritch (Habayit Hayehudi) is proposing a new law that would require elections for a new city rabbi within 6 months of the post being vacated. The process would have to begin within 60 days of when the local council head approaches the Minister of Religious Affairs, kicking off a four month election process.
source: Srugim

There are debates raging as to which political party this would benefit most in future rabbinical appointments.

Whichever party that might turn out to be, the debate itself is an indication that the entire process is faulty. The city rabbi is meant to be there to help the residents and the city, not the politicians. If the appointment process is being done in a way that is something for the politicians to fight over and benefit from, there is something wrong with the process.

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