Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1909-05-20


COMMISSION GOVERN
MENT IN COLORADO.
Tne commission form of govern
ment is spreading through various
states, and in various forms. In
some states it is much more elabor-
ately devised than in North Dakota,
providing for the recall, for refer
ence of franchise, and for various
other features which embody direct
reference to the people.
It is not safe to say that all of
these provisions are or are not wise.
But experience with them will be
valuable for future guidance Of legis-
lators. The following outline of the
new charter adopted by Colorado
Springs at the same time as the
adoption of the commission system,
is and will be of interest to those
who are studying the merits and de-
merits Of the new system:
"a
Colorado Springs has Just adopt
ed, by a vote of 3,161 to 268, the COM
mission form - government under
a charter which abolishes the ward
system, eliminates party politics,
provides the recall, initiative and
referendum, and places ample re-
strictions around the granting of
franchises.
The charter is probably the most
liberal adopted by any American
municipality, because of the fact
that the legislature gives cities a
free rein in making their charters.
Colorado Springs Is the first Colora-
do city to adopt the commission
form, although Grand Junction,
Pueblo and other cities are now TAX
ing steps to that end. The instru-5
meht was drawn by: twenty-one rep
resentative citizens. nominated by
joint committee from the civic organ
nations. The first elecslon. under the
new charter will be held July s.
In. many respects the charter is
remarkable. The only elective off,
GERS are the mayor and four council
men, Who compose the council in
which; the powers of the city are
vested. Responsibility is fixed by
the creation of Eve departments, At
the head Of each Of which is one
mem Der. The departments are:
Water and water works, governed
and sanitation, public works and
property, and public safety. Provi-
sion is made to put the water system
on self-susta lining basis, and an
effort is made to obtain a uniform
system OF public accounting. The
mayor receives q salary of $500,
the councilmen $4,000.
The most radical measures, per-
haps, are in regard to elections, the
idea being to eliminate all factional
control. Nominations are made by
the fling Of twenty-five individual
certificates, the signer Of each of
which, as well as the nominee, must |
make affidavit to the fact that the
is not the representative
of any political party. The charter
further provides: Nothing on the
ballot shall be indicative of the |
sodrce OF the candidacy or OF the |
support of a candidate. No ballot |
shall have printed thereon any party |
or political design or mark, and |
there shall not be appended to the
name Of any candidate any such |
party or political designation or
views or opinions" A majority of
all votes cast is required; in case no |
one receives a ma torfty, q second |
election Is held. Except for invalids,
no carriages are allowed on election |
day ... .
No franchise may be granted ex-
,ept on vote of the qualified electors.
The people reserve the right to reg-t
ulate fares and rates. and may lie
ense street cars, meters, poles and
similar fixtures. The, city retains
oversight Of any fran
clifse Affecting the city's water sys-
tenn, Each corporation is reQutred
TO make q detailed annual report.
The city receives: ON. all franchises 3
per cent Of the gross receipts for the
drst fifteen years and 5 per cent for
The remainder Of their life. The city
may; purchase any. public utility. No
franchise may be granted for a
period of more than TWENTY-FIVE
years. ~ .
On petition Of 30 per cent Of the
qualified electors, an elective Ohcer
may be removed from once through
the "reca1l-" TIE. initiative requites
Id signatures OF Is per cent. and
lfter these have been obtained the
council has the option of passing the
ordinance or Of submitting
/ to vote Of the people. The refer-l
sHdAm works Id the same way. Un-F
1Sttst y,S1naIty Of. removal no Off1cfalf
may receive free service from cor |
,oration. A civil services commission
. authorized to provide for placing |
he IRE; police and public works en-
,loyes under civil service. Other I
employees are appointed BY the may
K upon Recommendation Of the |
The levy ID limited tof
ID mills, and the bonded Indebted |