Semi-weekly herald., 1910-01-06
svNoesia OF THE NEW CHARTER
OF THE CITY OF GRAND
JUNCTION, COLO.

We have been furnished by Attor-
ney A Rex Mollette with the follow
ing synopsis OF the charter of Grand
Junction, accepted at the election held
for that purpose on September IA,
1908. We publish this because we be
lieye that Durango will eventually
adopt the commission system of gov
eminent, and the people are entitled
to information upon the subject. The
synopsis is as follows:
"The intent and purposes of this
charter is to establish u free and indie.
pendent city, and to restore to and
yes, in the people of the city, so far
as the constitution of the state will
permit. their natural. inherent, and In.
alienable rights Of local self-govern-
ment. with all its powers, duties and
responsibilities.
ITO that end, under and by the pro.
visions OF this charter
The municipal government is vest
ed. independently of legislative inter
ference, with all powers not denied
1t by the constitution OF the state
THE people of the city are vested
with It's supreme legislative powers,
with easy preliminary conditions In
making and changing its charter and
ordinances, and also with the absolute
and exclusive power OF authorizing,
regulating or terminating Its public
service corporations, and OF recalling
its elective officers.
The preferential system of voting
has been established, in lieu of direct
primaries or of second elections, thus
securing a unique and accurate ex-
preston of the public will at the polls,
with the minimum OF cost and effort.
Partisan and machine politics
and government are inhibited, and a
municipal democracy substituted
therefor.
NO fixed tenure OF office or employ
ment is permitted, except subject to
recall of elective officers. and, as
authorized by classified civil service,
for employees.
The city wards and saloons have
been abolished.
Opportunities for graft and favor
itism in innumerable directions have
been eliminated.
Boards have been established to
care for the public library, parks.
charities and civil service.
The city has been divided into five
administrative departments. W.:
L. Public Affairs.
2. Finance and Supplies.
8. Highways
4. Health and Civic Beauty.
5. Water and Sewers.
"The question of having three com
missioners to administer the FIVE de-
partments. instead of the FIVE pro.
yided for in the charter. is submitted
rs an alternative question to vote
OF the qualified electors at the same
time that they vote on the adoption
of the charter.
THE commission form Of government
has been improved and adopted, elect
ing each commissioner directly to his
department, and clearly defining his
duties.
Each commissioner is required to
take the active charge and manage
ment OF his department. giving his
whole time thereto, and has before
him the opportunity and Incentive Of
becoming specialist therein. and thus
of establishing most efficient admin
istraton.
"The mayor, as judge of the munic.
pal court, superceding a Judgeship
upon the fee system, also as chief ex.
ecuiive and head Of the police depart
ment. is made the paternal guardian
of Juvenile and other unfortunate po
lice-classes.
IAN efficient financial system and
purchasing agency for the city has
been provided, and special taxation
limited.
"A beautiful. sanitary and prosper
GUS city is provided for.
1.-The city water works system IL
retained, It's extension and improve
ment facilitated. and equitable water
rates for water not exceeding cost
are required"