The Richfield recorder. (Richfield, Idaho) 1909-1931, 1913-06-26
\ sIGN OLE PROGRESS.

At public reception to the G. A. r. encampment
in Nampa last week. Gov Haines asked to be present
and to deliver address He could not but sent rep
resentave who delivered his part OF which was IN
advocacy the short ballot in state affairs One mem
ber who thought it political move. proposed resolution
condemnng the address mot what they fought form o.
The resolution was passed. but was later expunged.
1t of far less Importance whether it studied bid
political favor thant to consider that thsis almost the
first real constructive thought that has come from
Idaho The state has had bushels and tons of the
old pttudes about and good government and
public office is public trust while the old brands Of
machine politics and line appointments were beng put out by
way of the side door No administration has been adj
ept this averaging of the highbrow and the lowdown
than the present. hence to find real determined stand Tor
progress most surprising The G.. A. r., and all other
good citizens should give thanks for the big new thought
from the governors office.
No business corporation would could stand such NAL
administration as the people get in their government We
great host OF for assorted Offices elect them for
only two years. without recall and tempt them to play pol
tiles those for reelection If they play politics
well enough they are reelected We have little
their actual ability training though may judge
sonably well comparing various candidates. We start
office many candidates for many offices that we
not nteigeny judge their capabilities short term
lack Of trainings to play the political for
nation after only little than destructive of
fair square service We have elective offices that do not be-
gin equal in Importance other appontve
the state mine Inspector with the engineer the state
Superintendent with the board of education the
the secretary of state with the public utilities commsson
1t that of these elective officers have certain
stituona board powers but they hampeed by short
constitutional powers all too frequently grotesquey i'll
bestowed The history of some of the big boards In Idaho
and the present financial standing of Idaho securities tells
painfully eloquent story of how it works out.
The short ballot would cut off all these minor officers from
the ballot and the election around few strong
officers with power to govern the state 10 be ct
cent they would have to longer terms this In turn
might be guarded by swift recall system where need
ed They would appoint subordinates. whom they could
prod up dismiss if necessary. With longer terms would
expert ability with fewer elections would come
cleaner politics. less obbery The people could control such
board readily than controls the present boards
and the government should be far stronger and
petent.
The people should encourage such real thought from the
governors of Idaho have had much sticky pattude
There some who say they wouldn't trust calling the
present legislature together special session for purpose
whatsoever The Recorder would If the governor and his
advisors would lay definite plan for state bond
show how it would rebuild the credit and start egt
business and development permanent BOOM would show
the people why necessary and how the state could
two years by Doing 1t Now legislature in the history of
Idaho would do its work more nteligenty or safely.