East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1914-01-30
STATE COMMISSION
FORM IS PLANNED
MOVEMENT IS LAUNCHED by
BUSINESSNlEN's CLUB OF
PORTLAND.
"Why state Lcgislfture?" l. Ques-
tiOn Asked by Citizens, Claim Ad-
vOcates OF Plan-Letfers Are Being
Sent Out ExpIainfn; Advantages OF
Commission Government.


To provide commission form of
government for the state OF oregon
Is the purpose of d movement being
discussed by the East Side Business
mems Club of Portland and a meet
ing is to be beld ih Portland Febru-
airy 10 for the PURPOSE OF considering
the proposition.
The following letter inviting attend
ance at the meeting has been sent out
by the committee In charge:
"The question is repeatedly being
asked by citizens all over Oregon.
Why a state legislature Take the
last legislature. with its political ma
other big business lobbies. blocking
really needfuI and meritorious legis-
lation: yet prompting and causing
other big business and special interest
and special privilege legislation to be
passed. which is really detriment
to the farmers, laborers and people,
at-large.
1--WE should have less legislation.
We should have far less freak legis-
lation. Under present system great
floods of unnecessary measures clog
and cloud every session of our state
legislature. and the question. Why
state legislature will not down.
What's the answer? Many well in
formed citizens say the answer is
Commission form of government for
the state" Many citizens who believe
in progress in government, advocate
the abolishment of the state senate.
as first step; others advocate going
to a complete commission form for
the state abolishing both houses of
the state legislature, and substituting
instead commission or body of nine
state commissioners, elected from
and representing the various state
districts to be formed), besides the
governor secretary of state and state
treasurer thus making legislative
body of twelve. and abolishing all
boards and commissions. The COM
mission sitting permanently with
stated legislative meetings. Such
plan, 1t has been suggested, would
give more time and study for careful
ly working out proper legislation. 1t
would lessen freak and special legis-
lation which is rushed through under
present system, of you tickle me and
I'll tickle you" or trading system
and place our state legislation on
more careful and scientific basis.
Kansas is studying this same ques-
ton. as are also Wisconsin and other
states which believe in progress; they
deeming some such step needful to
wipe out corporation lobbying and in
fluence baneful in legislation, both
state and national
"Some $50 cities are successful u.s.
ing commission government for cities,
with more and more added every
week And no city which has adopt
ed the commission form has gone
back to the old system. Less Off
cials with a direct responsibility being
the cry of the hour, for city, state and
nation. This. too, will if possible, les
sen the cost of government and
thereby bring to us lower tax levy.
"The East Side Business Mems
Club of Portland has been studying
this state commission government
question. A committee has been ap-
pointed to pursue the study and take
the necessary steps to have framed
and submitted to the people for their
approval commission form of state
government, If deemed advisable.
"It is deemed best to invite citi-
zens who believe in going forward
and in progress, to meet and go over
| the problems in detail.
Pursuant to this call is hereby
| extended to you to be present at q
| meeting to be held in Auditorium OF
East Side Library, Z. nth and f.
Alder streets. Portland. Ore. at p
M. on February 10th, 1914, to consid.
er the matter of commission form OF
government for the state of Oregon
| This question being deemed matter
| of great Importance to the entire com
monwealth. What think you of this
plan? Yours respectfully, Dan Kel'
laher. chairman: NJ. B. McFaul; c. c
Hall: NJ. o. Collins, l.. NJ. Lepper
commission government committee"