The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-12-08
TERMS OF 4YEARS
Movement in Topeka to Change
Old Law.
Allow City Commissioners But
One Term in All.
BILLIARD is AT HEAD.
Mayor Thinks Officials Are Too
Anxious for Reelection.
Make Recall Apply to Counties
and State as Well.

A movement has been started in
Topeka, led by Mayor Billiard. in favor
of extending the terms of the city
commissioners from two years to four
years each. In addition to this fea-
ture of the city elections it is asked
that each man elected to Office be al
lowed to serve but one term.
This same condition of affairs is be-
ing talked of in connection with state
and county elections. To have all
state officers serve four years with
but one term is supported by num-
Der of the present administration
men. And it is known that those con-
nected with the county official lists
in Topeka are anxious to see this rule
adopted in their case.
It is contended by Mayor Billiard
that the present means of elections
are complicated, technical, expensive
and impractical.
Elect All for -Four Years.
'.And think that the taxpayers and
voters of the city would be more
pleased with the work of the officials
if they were given a one term of four
years." said the mayor in speaking or
the proposition this afternoon.
'It is common now for city, coun-
ty or state officer to be reelected to a
second term. In fact the people seem
to think that man Is incompetent II
he isn't reelected and an incumbent
of an office has always a good chance
to win out If he runs for Office the
second time.
II think that the city officers should
be elected for four years each. In
order to keep the city commission dt-
yided and well informed of city affairs,
three of the commissioners should be
elected one year and two of them the
next. This would keep them in con-
stant touch with city affairs and would
give the taxpayers and voters the
benefit.
"I have the same ideas of state and
county offices. In addition to this
theory and this movement in Topeka
for the change in the municipal COM
missioner law, I think that the recall
clause should be added to the election
of state officials. The. people OF
state should be able to recall q COVER
nor or state official If they did not
think him competent for the ofhce-
the same system as is used now IN
connection with the commission form.
Faults of Election System.
There are many disadvantages to
the present election system-disad-
vantages that are vital in the efforts
of the people to get good men Tor
public Office and trust.
tIn the first place-when man is
elected for two years he spends
good part of his time preparing him
self for the coming election-he is
figuring on the second term and he
must play his hand to this end. AS
result he deserts his public work, he
disregards the real office system and
he neglects the duties for which he
was elected.
"Elect a man for four years and
for only one term and you will find
that he has other things to do besides
flirting with the public. It is not pos
sible for him to be reelected and as a
result he has nothing to do but make
good in the office he holds.
s"Then 1 think campaigns are too
expensive. A man practically buys
his office nowadays. In some cases a
poor man has little show to win out
even though he is the most competent
and the man who deserves the place.
st don't like this primary system as
it is used at the present time. It
should be simp1ified-it is too tech
nical and complicated. I agree with
the theory and the reason for its use
but as it is conducted at this time
we might as well go back to the old
systems