Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1914-03-20
CLAYTON URGED
FOR MAYOR;
MAY RUN
Woodward's Enemies Sound
Chief of Construction at Meet
ing Talking Charter Reform.

Politicians Friday were wondering
whether Captain R. NJ. Clayton, At
lanta's chief of construction for more
than 80 years, would be a candidate
for Mayor in the November primaries
in opposition to Mayor Woodward.
At meeting of the charter amend
ment committee Thursday it was APP
parent that WoodWard's enemies in
Council were booming the captain for
the office, Although Captain Clayton
refused to commit himself definitely,
his remarks indicated that he might
run.
The ball started rolling during a
discussion OF a proposed change in
the charter whereby the chief of con-
stluction would be elected by the
General Council instead of the people.
Captain Clayton repeated his deter
mination 10 retire next year at the
expiration of his present term. He
said he would devote his time to pri-
waite enterprises IS consulting engf-
neer
Alderman Maddox urged the cap
tain either to run for the Office again
or to enter the race for Mayor.
Charter Fight Predicted.
Alderman Thomson declared that
the people were dissatisfied with
some features Of the city government,
and, referring to the recent charter
fight, said the people would try again
to get charter reforms unless the
present system of government was
cleaned up He contended that At
lantas chief of construction should
receive a salary of at least $4,000,
because the position is one of the
most important in the State.
Alderman Maddox then announced
he would support Captain Clayton If
he would enter the race for Mayor.
Councilman Jesse B. Lee was in ia
Vor OF creating position known as
consulting engineer. and thought the
captain should have it.
Captain Clayton announced appre-
citation of his friends interest, but
said he was not considering running
again for the office of chief of con-
struction. He believed all admins
trative officers should be elected by
Council, and that the Council should
be reduced in membership, and that
each member be paid a salary.
Women Wanted on Boards.
Alderman Kelley was opposed to
the people electing anyone except
General Council members, whom he
thought extremely competent to look
after such work No action was
taken on the question.
Among other proposals to change
the charter was proposition where
by women would officiate on the
boards of education, fire and police
as we'll as on the park and library
boards.
Councilman Claude Ashley repre-
scented the Womens Federation of
Clubs of Atlanta. He said he be-
lieved the mothers of Atlanta were
vastly more interested in the depart
ments with which their children had
to do than the men. No action was
taken, but the committee decided to
hold a special session Wednesday,,
when women desiring such change
in the charter will be asked to at
tend.
Welfare Board Doomed.
Among the women present at
Thursdays meeting were Mrs. John
d. Pickett and Mrs. Victor S. Krieg-
shaber.
Secretary Logan. of the Associated
Charities. proposed that instead of
the city warden being elected by the
people, the Council create board of
public welfare with five members.
His suggestiJn was that the members
be appointed by General Council and
that their terms be from one to five
years.
The committee will make a report
to Council when all amendments to
the charter are discussed.