<P> These commissioners constitute the legislative body of the city and, as a group, are responsible for taxation, appropriations, ordinances, and other general functions . Individual commissioners are also assigned executive responsibility for a specific aspect of municipal affairs, such as public works, finance, or public safety . This form of government thus blends legislative and executive branch functions in the same body . </P> <P> One commissioner may be designated to function as chairman or mayor, but this largely is a procedural, honorific, or ceremonial designation and typically does not involve additional powers beyond that exercised by the other commissioners . Chairing meetings is the principal role . Such a "mayor" is in many ways similar to the "weak mayor" form of mayor--council government, but without any direct election for the office . However, some cities with this form of government, such as Portland, Oregon, have an elected mayor . </P> <P> This form of government originated in Galveston, Texas as a response to the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, mainly for the reason that extra support was needed in certain areas . After its constitutionality was tested and confirmed, this form of government quickly became popular across the state of Texas and spread to other parts of the United States . </P> <P> Des Moines, Iowa became the first city outside Texas to adopt this form . </P>

Why did galveston texas replace its city government with a commission