The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-06
CITIZENS SEEN YESTERDAY
 ALL FAVOR COMMISSION
Some Think Percys Salaries Too Low and Others Too High
 But All Are Agreed On General Provisions

for Birmingham, and am also in favor of MT. Percy's bill. I believe, however that the salary of the Mayor should not be so much more than that of the other commissioners, as provided in the Percy bill. While the Mayor must attend to the entire work of the commission in general and has more responsibility, his salary should not be so far in advance of that of the others, though it is right that he should receive more."
 Jere c. King
 Jere c. King said q have always fa- vored the commission form of city gov ernment, and approve of MT. Percys bill in most particulars. I am of the opinion, however, that it would be best to have the first commission appointed, rather than have the city in the throes of an early election. Three good commissioners ought to be appointed for the first board subsequently the commissioners should be elected by the people. Again. I do not think it best that there should be any distinction between the Mayor and the other commissioners. Like the members of the county board of revenue, the com- missioners should all receive the same salary, and there should be no more dis tinction between them than exists be- tween the president of the board of rev. enue and the other members.
 T am heartily in favor of government by commission and think the system will meet with the approval of the people if given a trial"
 Col. l.. w. Johns
 T am decidedly in favor of the bill pre- pared by MT. Percy in regard to the Col. L. w. Johns. 'T believe 1t to be in line of progression, and the logical method of government for large cities. I have no criticism to make of the present City Council but I think the system antiqu- dated and unbusiness like.
 with the recall clause in the measure I am willing to give it trial; if 1t proves a failure we can go back to the old con- ditions. I can not see how it can possibly fall for the bill proposes an adequate sal ary to secure good men, and what has been accomplished in other cities where tuC ColliiioSloi lOlIl VI government IS III vogue can be accomplished here. I hope the bill will pass as proposed"
 Col. Thomas Mclaughlin
 'I am heartily in favor of the commits sion form of government, said Col. Thomas Mclaughlin of Bessemer, ''pro- vided the bill passed by the legislature contains the initiative, referendum and the recall clauses.
 T notice the local press has dropped this feature of the bill, which to my mind was the most important and Is the only that people have against cen tralization of power.
 q had rather have the system as 1t is than to place the reins of the city gov ernment in the hands of three or five men, unless the people be given the op- portunity to make a change when such is necessary. In MT. Percy's article on the bill the initiative clause is not men toned My recollection Is that when the form of government was voted on by the people it was. with the distinct understanding that the initiative, and the recall clause would be in the bill.
 1T consider the commission form of government a menace without these clauses and that. if they are left out. it will not be keeping faith with the people,"
 Wallace Johns
 "I am greatly in favor of commission form of government, and think that MT. Percy's plan is as practical as could be said Wallace Johns yesterday afternoon in discussing the matter. Tt is plainly evident that we need something and I believe that the commission form of government will come nearer solving the problem than any other one thing. Of course, there Is the difficulty of ob- taining good men for the commissioners, but believe that with the puwer of re- call vested in the hands of the people when a man who was not right did get will of the majority. MT. Percy's plan is as practical as could be obtained, I think, and I heartily indorse it."
 Julian B. Levert
 Commission government Is the proper solution of the present problems that are presented to the citizens of Birmingham" said Julian B. LeVert yesterday after noon. q am not sufficiently familiar with the matter to give an opinion on MT. Percy's plan, but I will say that to an outsider 1t looks good. I believe that three commissioners would be sufficient to manage the affairs of Birmingham, and this would serve to centralize the respon- sibility and place the blame If things go wrong. I believe that MT. Percy's plan is practical and would be glad to see it tried"