Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1906-11-15

THE CHARTER
COMMISSION.

One of the most important steps
taken for Bridgeton's future welfare,
wasl the act by the Bridgeton City
Council in appointing Commission
to prepare for the city new charter.
The Commission is composed of enter
prising, representative men.
AS yet the Commission has not had
meeting 1t will. however, shortly
ct together and then some work will
be accomplished,
In the meantime, however, some of
the members of the commission have
been at work obtaining from various
we'll governed cities, copies of charters
and ordinances and they are being
carefully studied with the idea of
equipping themselves with informa-
tion that will aid them in making
recommendations and suggestions for
the city.
There are in Ohio and Iowa some
exceedingly we'll governed cities. In
all of these municipalities the license
question is removed from the organi.
zation that carries on the business of
the city. In some of these towns the
Board of Aldermen are elected at
large in the whole city. and no at.
tentlon is paid to ward representation.
Copies of the ordinances of these
cities are being secured by the Com.
mission for study and investigation.
Some of the members of the Charter
Commission are deeply impressed
with the Galveston, Texas, govern
ment In this city the municipality
is governed by Commission compris-
ing four men elected at large in the
city and the Mayor. The latter gets a
salary of $4,000 annually, and the Com.
missoners are paid $1,000 EACH They
give practically all of their time to
the interests of the city.
Commission government would not
be an innovation in New Jersey. 1t
has been applied to county affairs in
several counties, where the cumbsr
some Boards of Freeholders have been
abolished and an elective commission
of five have been substituted. In Mid
dlesex. in Monmouth in Ocean and in
Passaic counties the best possible re-
suits have occurred. There are many
men convinced that the commission
idea applied to city affairs would be
most satisfactory solution of the
municipal problem.
1t is important that the Charter
Commission should begin it's work as
soon as possible. 1t will take some
time to do the work and do it we'll.
The Commission has been requested to
present its complete report before City
Oonncil on the first day of January
This is necessary because the bill will
have to be early introduced in the
| Legislature it there is any Likelihood
of its being favorably passed upon at
the coming session. 1t is thought,
too, that the work of the Commission
should be given the widest publicity.
The good that is expected should be
understood by the people so that there
will be behind the proposed charter
an overwhelming public sentiment.
1t is an important step. Bridgeton
is not business.like corporation. 1t
cannot be under present conditions
A business like administration of pub.
lie affairs is essential. 1t touches
every person, 1t is home affair, and
everyone is particularly interested.
The Pioneer has for many years
| urged new charter for Bridgeton.
There is now an opportunity OF secur-
ing something that will be of great
benefit. Let the entire community
awaken in its interest.