The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-01-16
COMMISSION
 GOVERNMENT
A Summary of the Model
 Charter Under Which Des Moines. Ia., Is Governed.

Continuing it's work of education in relation to modern municipal 2 ,vorn- ment and especially iii relation to the commission system, the special com mittee of the Danbury Business Mems association presents the following summary of the Des Mofnes char ter which will be of much interest to students of the question:
 Section l. This law applies only to cities having a population of or ex- ceeding 1000.
 Sec. 2. Upon presentation of pc tition signed by electors equal in number to 25 per cent. of all votes cast for mayor at the preceding cleo tion. the question of adopting this plan of government shall be submit ted to the voters
 Provides the manner of submitting the question to vote of the people.
 Sec. 3. All state laws not in con flict with or inconsistent with this law are retained and remain in full force and effect.
 All contracts, rights and liabilities remain the same as under the pres ent form of government
 Sec. 4. In cities of 25,0GO and over a mayor and four council1nen shall be nominated and elected at large.
 In cities under 20,00O mayor and
 
 and elected at large. They shall hold office for two years and in case d va cancy occurs the remaining members shalll appoint to fill the vacancy.
 Sec 5. This section prescrfbes in detail the manner in which the mayer and city councilmen are elected, and provides for a nonpartisan primary for nomination.
 , ga This prohibits any person d. candidate accepting any money from or giving any money to any candidate for office to secure election or ap- pointment, and provides for the pun ishment of any person who agrees t.. or does accept any money or any val- uable thing for services rendered to a candidate.
 5b This section prescribes a severe penalty for the acceptance or giving of any bribe to influence voters and also for the violation of any election laws. =
 Sec. 6. The city shall be governed by the mayor and four councilmen 4 two councilmen as the case may be. be necessary to pass any ordinance or other measure.
 Sec '. Prescribes the powers of the council and creates the five de- partments through which the city's affairs shall be administered.
 S6C. Q. H-TONl0SS CHdC 0dCn mem per of the city council shall be made su- perintendent of department and in cities of less than 10000 each mem- Der shall be superintendent of two departments, also for the election of other city officials by majority vote of the city council.
 Sec g. This section provides for the creation and discontinuance of of- fees as it may be necessary for the welfare of the city and gives authori- ty to the council to fix the compensa- cion which shall be received by off, cers and employes.
 Sec. 10. Provides that the mayor and councilmen receive a certain sal- ary according to the population of the city.
 Sec. II. Provides for regular and special meetings of the city council. Provides for roll call on all questions and prohibits secret sessions.
 Sec. 12. Provides the manner in which ordinances shall be passed and the means whereby the rights of the people are preserved in granting of franchises.
 Every ordinance, franchise and con- tract must be open to public inspec- ton for seven days before its final passage and does not go into force foa ten days thereafter.
 All franchises to public service cor porations must be submitted to vote of the people for approval.
 Sec. 13. This section prohibits any officer or employe elected or appoint