Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1909-02-23
THE COMMISSION SYSTEM.

The COMMiSStON SHSIEm.
The people of the city of Bismarck
will vote Wednesday on the commits
sion system, to take the place of the
present form of government.
The commission system is not new
and not old, as method of govern
ing cities. Its effect is to relieve the
city of the inconvenience and disad-
vantages of ward politics, and to gov
ern the city as unit instead of as a
collection of units. !
Under the commission system, a
body of commissioners ca nbe chosen
from among the business men of a
city to apply business methods in city
government. The several departments
of the city are divided among the men,
bers of the commission and there is a
responsible head for each department,
whom the people of the city may hold
responsible, and to whom they may
look directly for redress of any griev-
ances.
1t is a well known fact that the
ward system is not the system for the
proper government of city. The in
terests of the various wards are looked
after rather than the interests of the
whole city. Improvements are fire.
quently made with more reference to
the interests of candidates for office
than to the best interests of the whole
city
Under the commission system gov
erning body could be selected without
reference to wards or subdivisions of
the city.
A system of city Improvements could
be made having reference to the con-
venience of the whole city.
Systematic efforts could be made to
install system of sidewalks, boule-
wards, parks, crossings and other pub
lie conveniences and improvements that
would be beneficial to the whole city
instead Of subdivision of it.
In the distribution of street lights and
of other utilities, the same considera-
ton could be had for the interests of
the entire city.
The contracting of expense could be
made with a view to getting general
benefit. The bills incurred by the city
would be audited by general commits
sion, with a view to the interests of the
whole people, instead of by council
comprising citizens of different wards,
having to deal with the opportunities
of their constituents.
1t is not necessary to say that alder
men are not alive to proper sense of
duty But there is a certain pride in
locality and certain loyalty to con-
stituents that does not always make for
the best city government.
The commission system gives the
whole people an opportunity to select
their representatives. 1t prevents par
ticuIar sections from selecting candi-
dates who are opposed or may be OPP
posed to the whole city's best interests.
1t tends to operate a city government
like a business institution, with
number of responsible heads.
The Tribune advises the voters of the
city to cast their ballots in favor of the
commission system. 1t believes CON-
mission can be elected that will run
the city cheaper, better and with an
eye single to the growth of the whole
city and the promotion of its best in
terests.
The Tribune would at the same time
call attention to some matter relating
to the commission system appearing
elsewhere in this issue. 1t is we'll worth
reading and will help the citizen who
may be in doubt in making up his mind
as to what is best to do at the election
!. Wednesday.