The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1911-03-20
SPOEANE'S IDEAL FORM OF
COMMISSION GOVERNMENT

Spokane. Wash. Mar. 20.-what is
declared by experts 10 be the most ad-
vanced practical plan of municipal
government by commission in Amer
lea is now in operation in Spokane.
Five commissioners, chosen from
among 90 candidates at a special eleo.
ton on March z, when women exereis-
ed the right OF the ballot for the first
time in the history of the city. were
formally induoted into Office on March
IA. retiring Mayor Nelson S. Pratt and
ten eouneilmen. The commission has
been organized as follows:
Mayor and commissioner Of public
affairs. William ], Hindley, formerly
pastor OF Pilgrim Congregational
church.
Vice chairman and commissioner OF
finance. Robert Farley. formerly city
comptroller
Commissioner of public utilities,
Charles NJ. Fassett, formerly president
Of the Spokane chamber OF commerce.
Commissioner of public works, David
c. Coats. printer; former lieutenant
governor OF Colorado.
Commissioner of public safety, Fora
f. Hayden, retired lumber mill oper-
ator and capitalist,
The first three were elected for
terms Of five years, the last named
for three years. The salary is $4,000
year, the bond OF each being fixed at
SIS. .OOO.
The commissioner of public affairs
appoints and supervises the city engi-
neer. corporation cunsel and inspector
Of weights and measures: the commits
sioner of finance controls the books
aud effiees of the city treasurer and
auditor. the commissioner of public
utilities has charge of the city water
works and power plant, street rail-
way. telephone and allied affairs; the
commissioner Of public works has
supervision of streets. pavements and
sewers, and the commissioner Of pub
lie safety controls the police and FIRE
men. The commissioners also look
after all the ramifications of their
various duties and may change and
alter these By agreement.
Three ciYil service commissioners,
to be appointed to serve without pay.
demand the merit system, examin-
ations, probations. investigations and
removals on charges. The purpose is
to make permanent all municipal ap-
pointments, calling for special fitness.
so that a faithful public Official may
plan a career and fit himself accord
ingly. without fear Of displacement by
disfavor.
Another feature Of the charter is the
provision for publicity All the meet
ings are open to the public, and all
ordinances and other notices must Be
published in the ofnelal Gazette.
which IS distributed free of charge.
The mayor has no veto power.
The charter provides for the initia-
tive and the referendum and the re-
call. Fifteen per cent Of the vote is
required to recall any commissioner
who has been remiss or unsatisfae
tory in his duty.
The system of voting for the com
missioners IS ingenious, twenty-five
electors may nominate candidate hy
taking an oath thar he Is qualified and
a desirable nan and that they desire
to vote for him.
The ballot contains the names Of all
the candidates in alphabetic order
followed BY spaces marked for first
second and third choice. The votes
marx Is crosses on the ballot. votins
for i've men as first choice. i've others
as second and i've as third choice
However, they may vote for third
choice the entire list after eliminating
first and second choice.
The majority Of ali votes cast elects
On the first choice. Then the votes
for the candidates, who are unSuoeeSs-
ful in the first choice column and are
In the second choice column. are coant-
ed with the stragglers Of the other
tvo and the third choice selections 6ll
o0t the i've. The third choice men
are elected hy a simple majority.
The Spokane plan varies from all
others BY making the contest q free
fer-all and rot designating the ossee
sought There were s. candidates at
the beginning Ut the resent campaign.
Three declined to make the race and