Norwich bulletin., 1911-02-01
PROPOSED CHARTER IS NOT OPPOSED
Many From Here Attended Hearing in Hartford Before Legislative Committee-Few Changes Suggested But All Spoke In Favor of the New Document.
Special to The Bulletin ]

OugnS were not deeply impressed with the idea that the people of the city of Norwich want at least an opportunity to pass upon the question of estab- fishing a commission form of govern- ment there, it is not because they did not hear enough said in favor of the proposition when they gave a hearing on the matter at the capitol Tuesday afternoon. In fact, of all the repre- sentative Norwich men that were heard by the committee not one had other than incidental criticisms to make of the plan, while the expressions in it's favor were so generous and so numer- ous and of such a varied nature that Senator Bartlett, chairman of the con- nittee, finally interposed the sugges- ton that those in favor of the measure give way to those who might desire to be heard in opposition. There was no opposition to be heard, however, aside from some criticisms that had been presented by speakers who were in favor of the plan as whole and by others who felt like presenting for the consideration of the committed, few points relative to the wording of cer- tain sections of the proposed charter that were not quite in accord with their own ideas relative thereto.
 Not Partisan Measure.
 The keynote of all that was said during the hour and quarters that the session lasted was that the proposed measure does not emanate from @ partisan source, but is favored by all political parties and cornbina- tions in Norwich as a whole; that it will simplify the form of government there and probably free the city from what one speaker characterized as con ditions unbearable; that it will give the city a more economical and business like administration. and, finally, that it's provisions will place responsibility on administrative officers m such direct and certain manner that theirs shall be the credit for duties ably dis charged or make them the rightfu subjects for retributive action by the electors in the event of their failing to give satisfactory service.
 Though the credit for originating the proposed plan was not accredited to any particular source. the speakers be- fore the committee laid stress on the point that majority of those who ap- peared in advocacy of 1t were republi- cans, indicating that it Is favored in Norwich in a general rather than in a partisan way.
 Corporation Counsel Opens Remarks. Corporation Counsel Joseph T. Fan ming made the introductory remarks to i the committee and introduced those | that followed him.
 Attorney Tanning reviewed the pro- cedure of the citizens of Norwich in | tue StlGCllOH Ol d tldIlGI COIllllii Sf5 oJ | and the various other phases of the development of the work of formulat- 1 ing and framing the petition now be- l fore the general assembly. His re- | marks also had to do with the legal | factors in the new proposition, includ- 1 ing reference to the last section of the l proposed act, which provides that it l will not become effective unless ap- 1 proved by the electors of the city of 1 Norwich at the annual meeting to be l held the first Monday in June 1911, l and also to the fact that the measure 1 originated with the city and may be ] either continued or rejected by it.
 l Attorney Tanning suggested to the ] committee in reference to Section { of the proposed charter that it might 1 be amended by adding the words tax l collector and city sheriffs to the list
 of elective officers named in that sec- 1 tion He said to the committee that | he would leave the matter of discuss l ing of the referendum initiative and 1 recall clauses to the members of the 1 charter commission. who were present 1 but before closing his remarks at this l time pointed out to the committee that | the adoption of the proposed charter would allow of materially decreasing the number of city officials. the coun- | cil from thirteen to five, and permit o1 | the particular ones charged with the administration of each branch of the municipal government.
 Principal TirrelI Explains.
 Henry 4. Tirrell chairman of the l charter commission was the next ant 1 a very interesting speaker. MT. Tirrei said he would like to point cut 10 the committee what the commission have tried to do and make clear the senti- ment of the city regarding the matter as well as to get the committees aiC
 in bringing it before the people. H said that the commission were not a 1 Hartford as reforners, but to secure for Norwich a better and more simple 1 form of government The object is tC l improve by definite suggestions as con eyed in the instrument under discus l sion and not to tear down the presen city government. Mir Tirrell reviewed the work of the commission, the hear. ings. meetings etc, and of it's effort: to gain information hy submitting { series of questions relative to pha SC! l of government by commission to man. persons in many places. The commis sion has labored to correct various de fects. MT. Tirreu pointed out that un der the present city government il 1 Norwich there are five or more fsca years in various departments, endin,
 at different times throughout the year
 He said the bookkeeping system shoult
 be standardized so as to have but on l fiscal year. This is provided for un
 der the proposed charter. The speake
 pointed out further that it also pro
 vides for publicity raIa tive to all trans
 actions of the city. MT. Tirreu afte
 paying a tribute to the adequacy of tn old town system of government sai'
 that the commission had tried to com
 bine as many as possible of the goo' 1 features of town government witt l those of city government, with the ide!
 of getting form that would fix al
 responsibility where it rightfully he 1 longed. He said that he believed fh
 merit system should prevail and ap pointments under the city be made b. it as far as possible. In reference | the old charter, MT. Tirrell said tha l whatever is not definitely rescinded 0 l the old charter would remain in fore l under the proposed one. He told th , committea how the city meeting ha been unanirn ously in favor of the ncy l measure and said: We want you [
 give the citizens 8 right to vote or it.
 Proper Use of Department Profits.
 Frederic W. Cary. also of the char
 ter commission. followed MT. Tirrel , He told of the work of that body in vestgating the city departments an
 of it's securing all available new an improved city charters with a vie,
 of getting at all the good points tha l ought to be incorporated into tn
 new Norwich charter. He said tha the present charter of Norwich wa | revised in 1876. Since then the cit has entered upon municipal owner ship, and the condition of opera tin all departments has changed. H l spoke of the gas and electric work as producing an annual income ( ] $l60, 900. and of the water plant in
 1 come amounting to S70.000 annual,
 TWO p,bi;P utilities