Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1901-01-09
MUNICIPAL REFORM
Discussed by Represen.
tative Citizens.
"Too Much Looking to the Prosperity Of the Party
Rather Than TO the Prosperity Of
the People," Said Judge Kohler

that the Economic League will sur
vive the season. 1t has aroused itself
from it's lethergic trance and seems to
come forth stronger for its interim Of
inactivity. Whether this change isj
due to an injection Of salt or any
other life-restoring property does not
appear. 1t is enough to know that
the organization has taken n new lease
ON life and according to the state
ments Of its members, it may take
a hand In bringing about reforina-
ton in municipal affairs.
The two dozen members who at.
tended the meeting of the League
Tuesday night will agree that it was
the most interesting session that has
ever been held by the organization.
The subject for discussion was a vital
one and it was handled with unusual
spirit and interest by the speakers.
The topic was Municipal Reform
What for AkronY and from the re-
marks made, it was patent to all that
reforms are needed in this city. The
discussion Of such subjects are bene-
fetal to citizens in general and a
continuance Of such programs will
increase the attendance.
For the next meeting, Jan. %, de-
bate has been arranged. The subject
to be discussed is, Resolved, that In
comes Should be Taxed. Judge j. A.
Kohler and Judge n. d. T'ibbals, viii
affirm the proposition and Mr.. 0. G.
Barber and Hon. George w. Grouse
will deny.
When President KeIlar called Tues
day nights melting to order he called
the members attention to the fact that
he had held his office about year.
Upon motion of Judge Kohler, Rev.
Kellar was unanimously reelected.
Other officers were reelected as fol
lows: Vice-president, Judge G. IL.
Grant; secretary, Mr.. Jonathan Tay-
lor; treasurer, Mr. J. s. Benner. Presi.
dent Kellar appointed Prof S. p.
Orth, Judge n. d. Tibbals and At.
torney S. G. Rogers as members of the
program committee.
Senator George W. Seiber was the
first speaker to discuss the subject
of the evening, He said that mas
much as there were but q few present
it seemed that the great majority OF
people were satisfied with the pre-.
sent form of municipal rule in Ak.
ron. He referred to the frequent
changes made in the government OF
municipalities and the consequent re-
strictions imposed upon the people III
the management of their own affairs
"Home rule" declared Sen. Sieber,
is what the people desire in the gov
ernment of their own city. The Ohio
Municipal Code commission paved the
way and its labors will leave its im
press upon future legislation"
Sen. Sieber referred to the bill which
he introduced at the last session OF
the legislature and which provides
home rule for cities and villiges. 1t does
away with the division of cities into
classes. 1t provides FOR an executive
legislative and judicial branch of the
government. The Mayor to he tht
chief executive and the legislative
body may be composed Of the peoples
representatives. The Mayor will bt
given the power of veto. The speaker
suggested that the bill be submitted
to committee il the League deemed
1t of sufficient interest.
In closing Sen. Sieber said that
cities of Akrons class were most in
terested In municipal government
81 believe 1t is worth the time for thi.
body to take up this question:" sal,
he. what Akron needs first is gen
eral interest among its citizens.
take 1t that tue government of Ak
ron Is as good as the average city o
the same class. II Is desirable I,
have q clean cut distinction between