The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-07-26

draft you may submit You strenuoussy
strive TO keep distinct and separate
the legislative powers from tho cd
ministrative ones-and give the board
OF administration full and unrestrict-
ed control over the appropriations az
soon as they are made by the city
council In lump sums for each de-
partment, and full power in the ap-
pointment OF and control over the va
rious city officers and members of
the several city boards.
These powers are the great essen
tails, so that city expenditures shall
be made and its affairs shall be con-
Quoted more on business principles
| by experts, duly compensated and
devoting their abilities TO the inter-
ests of the city.
If 1t be true, as It is, that the pure
ly legislative powers Of a city are OF
but narrow scope, while Its admins
trative requirements are extensive and
difficult. II would appear that by
recomme ending an amendment to the
charter as to the creation of an adj
ministrative department. we would
suggest a method by which the bust
could be managed upon business prin-
ciples. Not only could the city coun-
ell be of great service in properly
exercising the purely Legislative pow
ers, but Ii could be of service In other
ways.
You will notice that in the West
Virginia charters the council has the
power to demand a submission to 1t
of any contract, plan. specifications.
etc. pertaining to any work contract
ed for by the commission board. BY
the due exercise of that power the
council could give, when deemed de-
sirable, all the publicity necessary as
to the administration of affairs by
the board.
BY our constitution the mayor
would necessarily have, not only
general supervisory powers over the
work of each member of the board
fof administration and Of all officers
under the board. but would also have
the power of removal. subject to an
appeal to the hastings court OF any
member of the board and subordi-
nate officers.
Hence, there would stili remain
upon the mayor the primary respon-
sibility OF seeing that the duties of
( all officers are faithfully performed.
/ Thus would be removed all necessity
for the provision commonly called
the right Of recall. unless that right
he made to apply to the mayor alone.
! There is at present statutory pro-
| vision for the removal of the mayor.
Power might also be given to the
/ city council to demand OF the mayor
an investigation into the management
! of conduct of any member of the
| board OF administration. Thus
/ double opportunity would be had to
! examine into the administration of
| any member of the board.
First. BY the mayor. OF his mo-
! ton.
Second. BY the demand Of tho city
council.
! Nor could /. be correctly claimed
| that such power of removal would
| tend to destroy the independence OF
any member of the board; as there
would be afforded ample protection
| In the right of appeal to the hustings
| court. OF course, the charges would
/ he confined to fnalfeasance, or mis-
( feasance in office, or personal unit
| ness.
| 1t would appear from the ABOVE
! that we can present to the city proper
amendments TO the city charter,
| which would tend TO relieve it of
some of the present evils OF city gov
j eminent.
OF course. there is one great essen
F, tial. which we can not give-one,
| which no human law can create-that
is a more honest performance by each
individual of his civic duties. an un-
| wavering determination to vote Tor
competent and trustworthy men, no
matter what may be the inducement
10 do otherwise. Fortunately. We are
only asked to present proper form
OF government. Its success must de-
| mend upon the use made or II oS inc
citizens generally.