Norwich bulletin., 1911-03-24
Answers to Inquiries From Five Kansas
 Cities
STILL IN EXPERIMENTAL STAGE
Conflict of Certain Improvements Recognized by all-Doina Away with Political Lines Does Not Eliminate Human Nature.

Leavenworth, 19,363
 Parsons, kansas, 12,463
 Pittsburg, kas., 14,755
 Neodesha, kas, 3,927
 Newton, kas., 1882
 l. a. Is any political designation allowed after the names of candidates on the ballot?
 Leavenworth-Two answered Nc.
 Parsons-Two answered No.
 Pittsburg-Two answered No.
 Neodesha-One answered No.
 NeWton-One answered No.
 b. Has the activity of parties in selfishIy seeking the election of their own members been diminished?
 Leavenworth-Yes but the habitual office seekers are just as busy as be- fore-and with success.
 One answered Yes.
 Parsons-NO activity of parties parties not considered.
 One answered No.
 PittSbur in form. of en < deavor to time of nomination (primary electien), but the feeling is largely there both at nomination and election, but some decrease.
 The activity has not been diminished. but the non partisan complexion of the commission prevents it's operation.
 NeodeshaLThere was no party ac- tivity. before and is not now.
 NeWton-One answered Yes.
 C. In general, are the elections cleaner? of 1909 there was more money spent for the election of the present mayor than ever before. One, answered Yes.
 Parsons-We have only one election under commission form-did not notice any difference over previous elections. One answered Yes.
 Pittsburg- Managed largely by the same people as previously and on the same plane
 Yes, because not only political lines are wiped out but ward boundaries as well.
 . Neodesha-yer little difference.
 Newton-One answered Yes.
 II. a. Are men of higher character and greater ability induced to become candidates for office?
 Leavsnwortll-Yes up until now, but this is the first administration under new form.
 Parsons-No. There are more can didates, however, owing to the salary attached to the offices.
 One answered Yes.
 Pittsburg-Calling a man a commis sionef has not made him any better or wiser than when .called Q, councilman. Same class of men are candidates those who want office
 The commission form has only been in force here IS months and the first batch of officials were certainly an inn provement over all others previously elected.
 Neodesha-One answered Yes. Newton-Do not think so. b. Are your aldermen chosen as speciaIists-that is, for especial know ledge of finance, of highways. of building, or departmental work in charities, fire department, water works, etc.?
 Leavenworth-No. It is the same old story. You scratch my back and l scratch yours. The only difference is that mans party affiliation does not matter.
 One answered No.
 Parsons-The best hustlers for votes win in the primaries. After the com missioners are elected they then di- vide up the work,
 One answered Yes.
 Pittsburg-There are four men for commissioners and one man for mayor selected in the April election to serve two years. These are chosen from eight who are nominated in the pri- mary ten days previous to election day.
 One answered No.
 Neodesha-No. They choose their places after being elected.
 1Newton-They are not chosen as I SpeciaIiSf '-