Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-01-18
Work and Worth Of the Councilman

Work and Worth Of the Councilman
II is seldom that one hears kind word
spoken of the average councilman. On
the contrary he Is the object of constant
criticism and the target for many idle and
malicious shafts. Little consideration is
given the fact that he receives no compen-
sation for his services and that be devotes
much time to attending the sessions of his
branch. to committee-meetings, and to
giving audience to citizens who have real
or imaginary grievances, or who wish TO
influence his vote for or against some
measure. No amount of zeal or diligence
can satisfy the general public. Work as
he may, vote as he may, the councilman
will hear fewer words of satisfaction than
Of dissatisfaction from his constituents.
The truth IL there are thousands OF men
who think they would make better coun-
cilmen than those now in Office.
And how is the average member re-
warded for tho troubles and expenses of
election; for all the hours that he spends
and all the annoyances to which he is suo-
jected IN his legislative careerP Excepting
a few complimentary privileges (Which
may be worth 500 per annum) there is alb
solutely no compensation attached to the
position. The very usual and proper am
,bition Of all American citizens to have
hand in government Ia about all that in
duces worthy men TO surrender the CON-
forts and independence of private life for
the turmoil Of the councilman's position.
With remarkably few exceptions we in
Richmond have been served by gentlemen.
Some Of these have sought or accepted
place from the sincere conviction that they
could improve the government, and with
out the slightest hope or desire Of personal
benefit. Others no doubt aspire to leader
ship among their fellows and see in the
City Council possible chance to catch the
public attention. 1t has more than once
occurred that faithful and efficient coun-
ell service has been requited by promotion
to the House of Delegates, to the State
Senate. to the mayoralty, or to other sals-
RED Office, and what has happened may
happen again.
1t is frequently said that the Councilmen
of these days are not equal in ability to those
of the years gone by. While the average
may be, and probably is, as good, it is GER
tain that fewer famous men are elected,
but Richmond does not so much need
great men in her Councils as men of good
business qualifications who will give us
freely of their time. 1t is lamentable
fact that many of the committee meetings
are poorly attended.
Its fact also that the Board Of Aldermen
and the Common Council both often have
TO wait long after the appointed hours TO
secure the quorums necessary for the trans
action Of business. 1t is afurther fact that
30 much important business is consigned
absolutely to committees that the Boards
and Councils sessions are lacking in that
interest which attracts members.
Well served as Richmond no doubt is,
we could secure better Council material if
we showed moro appreciation of the SER
vices of our representatives and made the
sessions more interest;ng-s thing only to
be accomplished by bringing back to the
two branches much of the power that has
practically departed from them and been
lodged in committees. The City Council
ought 10 be the focal point for the discus
sion of all municipal matters Of concern to
che general public, but we sometimes see
II overshadowed by the committees.
Here Is where reform might be adopted
benehcially.