Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-12-02

cure at the start only Ac" ~
more important Changes. which the ex-
pressed views Of our citizens meH snow
ID be In general favor. There Will be-
|.too, a disposition, to simplify. rather
than multiply the machinery OF our
city government.
Every good citizen and taxpayer has
direct and personal interest In secur-
inc an economical and business-like
COMMUNICATION of our municipal af-
fairs. The city itself Is big corpora
ton, in which every taxpayer Is a
stockholder. All should feel an inter-
est. therefore, in having its affairs
conducted upon the most approved
methods There has long been feel
ing that it was not good business
policy to leave the disbursing OF the
city's taxes to employees, without
constant and strict accountability to
someone in authority. No empIoye OF
the city should be permitted to expend
a penny of the city's money without
direct and legal authority for so doing.
All should be required to keep itemized
accounts, showing precisely where and
when and for what purpose every
penny of their appropriations is ex-
pended. 1t should also be impossible
for officials of the city government to
overdraw their appropriations. There
should be at all times a strict accoun-
liability for the work carried on in their
departments
There appears to be general feeling
in the city that these results can best
be obtained by greater concentration
of power and responsibility. This
power and responsibility should. it is
believed. be largely lodged in the
MAYOR Not only should he have
general supervision of all the city de-
partments. but also the power to en-
force a strict business-like admins
tration of their affairs, by the right of
removal for cause.
Every successful corporation must
have a responsible head with a clear
idea of its needs. and the power to en-
force his views with it's employees. he
should be accountable for his conduct
of affairs only to the stockholders. i. e..
in the case of a city, the taxpayers
In this way only can the most satls-
factory business results be obtained.
The city of Augusta could we'll afford
to nav mayor, invested with such
powers to act for the taxpayers. a sal
airy that would enable him to devote
large part of his time to the city bust
ness. 1t would be many times onset
by the saving a clear headed business
men would be able to effect in the
transaction Of the city's business, and
in the increased efficiency he would be
able to secure in all departments of the
municipal service.
1t must be understood from the start
that this movement for revision OF
the CITY charter is not in any respect a
reflection upon any city government.
Indeed the wonder has always been.
under our present system, that so many
Of our best citizens could be found to
give so generously of their time and
thought to the conduct of city affairs,
serving practically without remunera-
ton. and subjected to the many an
noyances and criticisms incident to the
performance of such duties. Indeed
we believe that our city governments.
from the adoption Of the present
charter will compare very favorably
with those of any city in Maine. The
movement for a revised charter, is, in
no sense, a criticism of men. 1t comes
solely from desire for better
methods.
The committee chosen by the board
of trade to consider this question Is
non-partisan in it's character, and
broadly representative of all sections
and interests of the city. 1t will enter
upon it's work with a purpose only to
secure the most general expression of
our citizens that is possible. and to
embody in practical form thosechanges
that appear to be in line with the gen.
eral wishes of the taxpayers. An ear
nest invitation is extended to all our
citizens to be present at it's meetings
and express their views.
Hon. H. NJ. Heath has kindly con-
sented to make the final draught en-
bodying the results Of it's conferences.
We feel that this is a work of great
Importance, and one in which all of our
citizens may well interest themselves.
Any facts or suggestions bearing upon
this question will be gladly welcomed
by the committee.