The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1909-04-29
Minot Men Give Opinions
Interesting Interviews with Business Men Anent the Pro-
posed Commission Form Of ,Government-WM
II Be a Practical Thing?

J. G. Smallwood: X am we'll sat-
isfied with the twelve men whom we
have on our council, and do not see
any particular reason at this time.
why we should adopt the commission
form of government. I believe in the
commission form theoretically, but
have been looking up the law, since
this question has been agitated, and
about concluded that we had better
let we'll enough alone. We have
learned a few things about running
the city, and believe that we are
going to profit by our mistakes. /
think we had better make haste slow
ly."
A. c. Hanson: "Of course I don't
believe that we ought to adopt the
commission form of government, but
wouldn't mind seeing It adopted,
for I'd most willing TO be hit slap
or two to teach some of these wise
guys a lesson"
J. A. Roell: II have been looking
into the commission form Of govern
ment, and actually do not believe that
we should adopt it in Minot, at this
time. Our city finances would be
tied up in such way. I am afraid,
that we could not do improving le-
gally, without doing it by popular
subscription. Look ut Mandan for
instance. Nearly every act that the
city has done since the commission
form of government was passed, has
been illegal, and they don't want
to say much about it. l am for COM
mission, first, last and all the time,
when I see that we can adopt it.,
and still run our city, but tell you,
this would be a serious matter. We
ha e a good council, and do not need
to fear that the business will not be
conducted in safe manner
Judge Lewis: Il can say at this
time that l am on the fence, but l
am making study of the conditions,
and will be able to tell you just how
feel a little later. do not believe
that the affairs of che city will be
bettered much by the commission
system, for some time. What each
citizen should do, is \. take livelier
interest in city affairs, and keep tract
of the proceedings of the council. AS
to the financial condition of the city,
| am not certain but that refunding
bonds could be issued to take up the
outstanding Indebtedness, and the
city might in that way proceed under
the commission form of government
all right
John Keavin: II am for any
thing that will better Nlinot. The
commission form of government ap-
peals to me as being all right, provid-
ling we will have finances to go ahead
with the work. 1 can't say positively
at this time, just where l stand. l
want to hear more of the proposed
system"
T. E. DISCARD: II am for the COM
mission form of government, and be-
lieve that the city will have no trou-
BILE in going ahead with it's business.
This is not time Cor factional poll
| tical differences to be considered We
want good commissioners, regardless
of their party affiliations. Of course,
we have a good council, and if the
commission plan does not carry, our
city will probably recover itself in a
little time"
Judge N. Davis: at is pretty gen.
orally understood that I stand for
the commission form of government;
and think that it will carry without
any question. Some assert that if
the commission form carries, Minot
will be tied up so tightly, that we
will not have money to carry on
the business of the city. I have
given the matter quite a bit Of study,
and am certain that We can go ahead
With the affairs Of the city. We might
have to stop some of our improve
ments for time, but that would be
. good thing. What we want IL to
put the city on q casn basis. be-
lfeve that we can issue refunding
bonds to take up the outstanding in
debtednees. The warrants are now
drawing per cent and tho bonds
would draw but d Dor cent. We
could secure the money to carry on
The business Of the city all right.
lust IS the money was secured for
The Anne street viaduct. Erick Ram
ind came thru With the money for
10 Anne street proposition. all right.
he city has bssa going too tAsG Mr..
Aurland. who was tormsrly city IT
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