Final answer:
In local government, incumbent elected officials usually have the privilege of supporting favorable appointees. They benefit from incumbency advantage, which includes name recognition and access to resources, helping in their reelection efforts. This underscores the significance of choosing competent local officials who manage vital community services.
Step-by-step explanation:
In local government, the individuals who usually have the privilege of supporting more favorable appointees of their choice are often the incumbent elected officials. These officials have significant advantages including name recognition, established records, and resources from previous campaigns. Political parties tend to support incumbents due to the so-called incumbency advantage, where incumbents have a much higher rate of reelection. This advantage is further bolstered by the ability of incumbents to utilize state power to perform constituent casework, securing them the goodwill of their constituents, which can translate into added support during elections.
Local governments, ranging from mayors and city council members to school board members, play a crucial role in providing services such as water provision, park maintenance, and law enforcement. They are often nonpartisan and rely on local taxes, like property taxes, to fund their services. This highlights the importance of electing quality individuals at the local level who can adeptly handle these responsibilities and effectively allocate resources.