Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1913-02-06
OPERATION IN
OTHER CITIES
SOME THINGS ABOUT COMdIs.
SION FORM OF GOVERNMENT
WHERE IT HAS BEEN TRIED

In recent issue OF this paper some
facts regarding the commission form
q government where it has been in
operation were promised. These facts
have been obtained and we present
them herewith. While these cities
are, Of course, larger than Williston,
the facts are nevertheless significant.
I. In Galveston, Texas
The emergency following the great
storm was dealt with efnciently A
floating ebt Of $205.000 was paid,
bonds to the amount Of $4,000 were
retired, the city hall, water works
station and other buildings rebuilt, and
sea wall built at cost Of $4,000, 600.
A modern system bookkeeping was
introduced. Police regulations more
strictly enforced. Political influence
was eliminated in selecting heads Of
departments; the merit system being
established. Public confidence in the
city government was restored, har-
mony and general prosperity were re-
l.tehl;shad:
2. Fairbauk, Minnesota
Fairbault (Minn.) Democrat:--Fair-
bault, in the second year if its Com
mission form of government, has the
pleasure of announcing to the world,
that with all it's improvements, in
cluding paving and the erection Of city
and county buildings it has a tax rate
of but 35.2 mills, decrease of AZ
mills in the past year. Its rate is
less by from AZ to 14.9 than any Of
the important cities Of Southern Min
nesota.
3. In Houston, Texas
City Indebtedness to the amount OF
100000, was retired. The practice
of issuing bonds to cover annual de-
ficits was discontinued; expenditures
were kept rigidly within the city in
come. The city credit was complete
ly restored. Waterworks were pur-
chased for 1901 900. City plumbing
and supplies obtained at Is to rs per
cent less COST Tax rate reduced from
2 per cent to ! per cent. Favoritism
and incompetence done away with.
Business methods adopted in all de-
partments; harmony both in city gov
ernment and among the citizens.
Growth and prosperity of he city
were stimulated by improved civic con-
ditions.
4. In Leavenworth, Kansas
Strict enforcement of law was sub
stituted for the city's traditional pol
lev of defiance of state prohibitory
laws. A period of decreasing popula-
ton and stagnation in business was
followed by one Of rapid growth in
all these respects. A new set OF
books were opened and the city's bus
mess handled like that of an up-to-
date business establishment.
5. In Des Moines, la.
The first year showed saving OF
$4,000 over last year Of old govern
ment. Tax levy reduced and public
improvements to the value Of $358,O0O
were made. Contractors held strictly
to contracts. Municipal expenditures
held strictly within the city's revenues.
The streets were kept cleaned and
street signs were put up. All public
work was promptly done; complaints
were given mediate attention. The
wages of men with teams was IN
creased from $3.50 to $3.50 per day;
those Of day laborers from $500 to
1925. and better service required.
A civic center was established on
the river front. The confidence OF
citizens in the representative char
acter of the city was fully re-estaD-
lished.
An article showing the plan OF the
department heads will be published in
the next issue Of this paper.