Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1910-12-09
o.Nes,on Invites sister c,,les.

4 y
true citizen of Galveston what he
thinks OF her and he will tell you:
Galveston has accomplished more
big things in ten years than possibly
any other city In America. And most
OF her safe, sane aud sound system OF
municipal government"
Government by commission origin
ated IN this city, and Galveston, nat
orally, 10 prouI Of its success and
yemns to show her sister cities what
she has done and how twas acconp-
lished, Galveston plumes herself, in
cidentslly, that the knowledge she can
impart Will benefit the fine flourishing
family Of American cities.
So Galveston viii hold q City Com
mission Congress next Monday, Tues
day and Wednesday to discuss the
important subject of municipal govern
ment. She has sent an invitation %
the Mayor and the presidents sof civic
organizations of every town In the
United States Of 1000 or more inhaeit-
ants. Before the very numerous aud.
fence she confidently expects Galvas-
ton will lay these interesting facts:
The business in this city 10 divided
into four Nepartme eats, each depart
ment being under the charge and direc-
ton OF commissioner. The for Com
missioners and the Mayor, collectively
constitute what Is termed the "iSoard
Of Commissioners Of the City ofGalves-
tom The Mayer Is president Of the
board and The executive head Of the
city government. He has all the right,
powers and duties conferred upon the
Office Of Mayor by the constitution and
the laws Of the State, has the right to
vote on all the questtors, but han no
veto power. Majority rule always pre-.
walls.
The Commissioners NJ the first meet
ting after the election. or as soon there
after as possible by the majority vote,
designate from among their members
one Commissioned who shail be snown
as "Uommissioner of Finance and
Revenue Ia q under whose direction
is placed the Offices OF the City ASSESS
or and Collector, the Clty Treasurer
aud CITY Auditor. He ~ charged also
with the duty of examining into and
keeping informed as TO the finances Of
the'city, and with the advice aud as
sistance of the other members OF the
board he prepares the annual budget
Of the city. Great care 10 exercised in
preparing the budget and Il 10 never
exceeded In the expenditures.
Another com missioner il designated
"Commissioner Of the Waller Works
and Sewerage. He has under his
special charge the constitution, main
tenance and operation Of the water
works and sewer systems departments.
The superintendent of these two
departments and the Joint secretary
and all the employees are under the
Commissioner.
Another commissioner is designated
"Commissioper of Stress and Public
Property" He has under his special
charge the supervision Of all matters
relating to the streets, alleys and prop
erty belonging to the city, and is
charged with the duty Of lighting the
streets looking after the street clean
ing and sanitation, the supervision Of
the street paving, construction Of the
drains, and seeing that the conditions
OF the grant OF public franchises are
complied with.
The city engineer and his assistants,
city health physician, superintendent
OF drays, heat b inspec ors, city sexton,
sidewalk inspector and all employees in
there departments are under the direc-
| ton Of this Commissioner. Bids were
! be advertised for in every instance
| where the expenditure exceeds SIS 10
| and no bonds can be issued without a
| favorable vote Of the taxpayers.
The other, the fourth commissioner
10 designated "Police and Fire Com
missioner. He has under his special
charge the enforcement of all police
regulations and the general super
vision over the police and fire depart.
ments.