The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1909-09-04
LAST LEGISLATURE GREATLY CHAN
GED THE METHOD
ALL WILL Be DONE At HOME
A Vote Of the People is the Only Method
That VIII Change Our Local Govern.
ment Hereafter.

state Legislature has been the agency
through which most OF the changes
have been made to city charters but
hereafter those changes will be made
by the people OF the cities themselves.
II will therefore be- OF interest TO the
people OF this city TO learn just the
manner In which we may change our
laws and the following summary will
therefore be of interest.
The initiative for revision of a
city charter may come in either OF two
ways: ~. From the legislative body
Tin Crystal Falls the common councill
when IL shall declare for charter r.vis-
ion by two-thirds vote OF the mem
bers elect; (2l. From the people.
when 20 per cent Of the qualified
electors Of the city shall have signed a
petition asking tor such revision.
When revision of the city charter
has been asked for In either Of these
two ways the question of having a
general charter revision shall be sub
mitted TO the electors for adoption OF
rejection at the next municipal cleo
tion. In case the electors, by major
ity vote. declare In favor OF such revis-
ion ..charter commission shall be se-
lected, consisting of one elector from
each ward and three electors at large.
having a residence OF at least three
years in the municipality. No city
officer or employe, whether elected or
appointed, shall be member OF the
charter commission. The candidates
for the charter commission shall be
nominated in the same manner as city
and ward officers are nominated. The
names Of all candidates.properly nomi-
mated shall be placed on a separate bal
lot without their party affiliations des-
ignated. The electors receiving the
largest number Of votes in each ward
shall be declared members OF the com
mission, and also the three electors at
large receiving the largest number of
votes in the city. In case IL is simply
desired to amend the charter. such a.
mendment may be proposed by the leg
islative body by a two-thirds vote OF
the members elect, or by a petition
signed by 20 per cent OF the qualified
electors OF the city. The proposed a
mendment shall then be submitted tc
the people at the next general OF
special election. When IL originates
in the legislative body, 1t shall be pub
lished and remain on the table foi
thirty days before action is taker
thereon.
Every amendment TO charter be-
fore its submission to the electors,
shall be transmitted TO the governor
Of the state. II he shall approve IL, hi
shall sign il; II not. he shall return tn,
amendment 10 the legislative body
with his objections thereto, and u
must be reconsidered On such recon
sideration. IL two-thirds of the mem
Der elect agree to pass IT, 1t shall b'
submitted 10 the electors. Every char
ter and amendment. before submission
to the electors. shall be published al
the charter commission OF Legislative
body may prescribe.
In case charter commission is elect
ed. such commission shall meet on th'
second Tuesday following the election
and frame charter.
When one satisfactory to the com
mission has been prepared. 10 must b.
published and voted upon by the people
II majority OF the votes cast are IA
favor OF the charter. 10 becomes The
law OF the city, otherwise the com
mission may prepare another charte
or, upon request Of 800 voters, nsv
charter commission must be elected
The home rule bill gives cities yer.
broad powers and precsribes that ex
listing charters shall stand until revok
ed by referendum vote. Some of tn
restrictions placed upon cities are tb
following
(. The rate OF taxation now hxe'
by law may not bo raised except b.
majority vote OF those voting at IN
election at which such n proposition !
submitted, and In no case shall sucl
rate exceed per cent Of the assesse'
: valuation OF the real and personal pro
perty In the city ~
: 2. Charters or amendments theret
shall not be submitted TO the .elector
oftener than once In two years. excer
, In cities where no charter has yet bee
Adopted.