The gazette-times. [volume] (Heppner, Or.) 1912-1925, 1914-06-11
WE NEED EXPERTS.

CllleS.
There seems no argument.
If it pays the big and little cor
porations, why not the big and
little cities, which are nothing but
corporations-only on larger
scale2
In a recent booklet by the Uni
versity ef Oregon called "Choos.
ing Calling" the management of
cities is outlined as G new profess
sion and one that awaits the col
lege educated student along special
lines
Many of our cities have come to
the commission plan, but it seems
likely that the commission will be-
come eventually governing body
and that trained expert of execu-
tive powers will be engaged to do
the actual management and super
vision.
In the smaller cities this plan
seems ideal. Tho only question is
whether in the large cities such an
executive would have the power to
"hire and fire" that the cor
poration executive possesses OF
course, until we decide to Danish
politics from our city administra-
tions that would be impossible
Smalle. cities have come to the
front already with evidence Of the
value Of city manager.
At the last Convention Of North
west Municipalities experts spoke
glowing,y of the work of ths man
ager Of the little country town Of
Milton, Oregon. This man appears
to be a practical engineer. In
doubtediy such training is valuable.
La Grandc, Oregon, is another
town that seems to be finding sue
cess with the City Manager.
Up in Alberta there is the town
Of Red Deer. The City Manager
there is called tho Commissioner.
He is appointed by the Mayor and
Council.
Here we have another type. Com
missioner Stevenson If Red Deer is
trained executive. He is more or
less ignorant of practical work. But
he has employed those who know.
Subject only to the Council, he has
full charge of affairs.
The result ia remarkable. While
other towns in Western Canada are
suffering from extortionate taxes
and general mal-administration,
Red Deer s levy is but Is mills. 1t
has parked streets, city parks, good
sewerage and water systems.
All over Canada the work Of
Commissioner Stevenson has been
lauded. Now his daily duties are
impeded regularly by delegations
from other cities who "want shee
wheels 50 wound", who wish to
know if they cant go and do like
wise.
The city manager idea originated
in Germany There it has been
marked success. Germans judge by
results and pay by results. The man
who makes success in small city
is certain to receive call to q
larger municipality. If he has tho
right qualities he will be pr noted
from city to city, adding as he goes,
increased remuneration and in
creased honor.
Discussing the city manager, Pro-
fessor Sewers, the University Of
Oregon municipal experts, says:
tHe cannot succeed if he OK.
poets political heelers to do high
class work. A glance into the fu-
ture reveals a calling here which
the young man of the present day
has still a chance to enter ON tho
ground floor and which will lead
10 positions Of dignity and honor.
"Courses Of training suggested
for city managerships are eco
Monies, political science, sociology,
history, commerce. English and
Journalism. /"
But 1t is q matter for doubt II
The young man who prepares him
self. for the calling Of city man.
Ager will find his reward for many
years in America.
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