Semi-weekly herald., 1915-12-06
DAYToN'S FIRST YEAR
UNDER MANAGER SYSTEM

OF being a pioneer city IN the line OF
municipal government; departure
from the usual method, making that
city target for conjectures, both
pro and con, as to the ultimate sue
cess of the new venture, the people
having tired of the ward system, the
same as Durango tired of both ward
and commission systems. and Herald
readers will no doubt be interested in
review of Dayton's first year un-
der the manager plan.
Henry J. Allen in a recent Golfers
gave n very entertaining account of
the manager system" Before dis
cussing the system itself, he first
introduces the reader to the head of
the system, City Manager H. M.
Waite, in whom ones interest natur-
all centers. Mr.. Waite is pictured as
lean, sharp-eyed man, type often
seen in connection with gigantic en-
gineering feats, but seldom seen oc-
cupying quasi-political positions. He
is not a mixer, or one who bestows
an extra handshake for policy's
sake. He is about 40 and this is his
second political position. He has been
civil engineer and a railroad divis-
ion superintendent. Altho, by other
means he might have had $4,000 per
year, yet, for the oportunity OF be-
ing able to pioneer the unique expert
ment, he accepted $12.500 as manager
nf al rn.r orn
The immediate occasion for a
change of government resulted from
the Intellectual efforts of the old po-
litical ward system. composed of in
adequately trained men, to manage
the devastating flood of 1913, which
called for abilities not in it's line.
When crisis was reached, the prac-
tical politician made way for efficient
service in the person of Mr.. Patterson
head of great Dayton factory, who
volunteered to set in motion his force
of energetic capable men and in a
short time they brought order out of
chaos. erected temporary hospitals and
saved lives and property. The ac-
comphshment awakened the people.
why not have this efficiency i'll
our city government every day?" they
asked.
And thus it happened that the
previously been vaguely discussed,
came to head in spite of the politi-
clan, who would thus be rudely thrust
aside for a businesslike, trained and
efficient manager.
So Dayton sent committee abroad
to study municipal methods and as
result she adopted charter provid
ing for a Competent experienced,
on ccount of his peculiar fitness and
ability to handle the affairs of the
city, This man was to be chosen
by board of five citizens elected at
large. regardless of party, by the
people. The charter provides for
recall election. The powers of this
commission are similar to those of
the ordinary board of directors over
general manager. They are high
class men who, altho they would not
be able to devote all their time to
Dayton's business, yet can give half
day week to reviewing reports
and needed ordinances. Twelve hun
died dollars is paid to each commits
sioner, except the one receiving the
largest vote. To his salary is added
$500 and the title of mayor is be-
slowed.
Altho the new system has been an
nounced as un-American and un-
democratic, it has yet To prove fail
ure. 1t is characterized chiefly by
men who are striving to give the city
the best for the least money regard
less of political pull and the desire
to pocket few dollars on the side.
Some effort, of course, has been made
to return to the old government, but
such think will hardly be possible
welfare of their city.
The city has five departments, the
city manager being entirely RESPONSE
Bile for the selecting of the heads of
these departments. He has absolute
control SO far as the selection of Off
cials and employees goes; the commits
sion, itself, having authority to en-
ploy the manager only. The depart
ments are Law, Public Service, Pub
lie Welfare, Public Safety, and FL
nance. Men who are peculiarly
equipped are chosen as directors of
the various departments, even tho out
siders have been selected. Four
thousand dollars per annum is the
salary. For sixteen months the posi-
ton as head of the Safety department