Norwich bulletin., 1911-03-22
Four Replies From Inquiries From To
peka, Kansas
MARKED IMPROVEMENT IS SHOWN
The Salaries Have Been Largely Increased-Bonds Sell
Better Since Inauguration Of New Form Of Govern
ment-O Officials Must Give Six Hours Day to Pub
lie Duties-Own Public Utilities

cannot give very Intelligent an
swer to this. but suppose that IN gen
eral it does.
1t does.
I One answered Yes.
w. a. Are the salaries Of the may
or and aldermen larger under this
form than before?
Yes. Nearly ten times as great.
Three answered Yes.
b. Has there been greater resulting
economy in the administration of the
several departments?
No reduction in taxes. Commission
in Topeka only one year. Have had
wrinkles of old council to smooth out.
Yes, and in efficiency and despatch,
noteworthy.
The plan has been in force less than
a year and no definite answer can be
given: but l do not think that there
has been any vast difference.
No; not yet exactly. The general
administration is more efficient and
somewhat more economical, but no
marked difference in taxes But the
work is done; more and better work. =
c. Does each member Of the MUM
cipal council give his full time to the
work Of administration7
| No; he gives it if necessary There
are daily joint sessions and most OF
| the members are in their city Offices
half day, sometimes all day.
/ He is supposed to do SO.
| Minimum, six hours daily
| One answered Yes.
| d. Has the financial standing Of ths
city been improved?
| Possibly: it is a fact that bonds
| have been issued and sold at par bear
ing 4 1-2 per cent. Our best bond
sales have been since commission plar
4 was adopted.
| Yes, although good before.
/ I think not.
One answered Yes.
v. In general, is the new form OIL
government cleaner from political in.
fiuence, more business like in admins.
tration, more effeetyalIy organized
more progressive, more soundIy eco,
nomicai?
a conclusive answer to these questions
The experiment must be tried for {
longer time.
Yes, emphatically so!
/ You have stated it about right. Ant
more-it is more Immediately response
BILE to the people, They. can defeat ;
poor commissioner and elect an eff
Gent one on the same commission
| They also have the initiative, referen
dunn and recall, though never yet used
One answered Yes.
| vi. a. What per cent. Of voters /
required to gain a recall, and is it eff
fective?
rs per cent. Of the number last vot
ing. 1t is "the sword of Damocles.
It's moral effect is more than its valu
in use. We have had no need to in
yoke it.
25 per cent; never tried yet.
25 per cent; hasn't been tried.
rs per cent. required. Has neve
been used here.
4 b. Are the public utiities-watel
gas and electric lighting pIants-own
cd by the city, and are they inventorie
annually, and a. balance sheet pub
Iished, as is the custom of corpora
tions owning such plants?
Water plant and street lighting plan
owned by city. Gas and private light
ing by private companies
II Gas. private corporation. Other
!: owned by city. We have natural ga
from southern Kansas and Oklahoma
Annual reports made. City commits
sioner of finance makes detailed quar-
terly reports, published In, newspaper
as news
+ Yes-with exception Of gas.
Yes-water and electricity.