Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1915-03-29
Give thvself time to learn some
thing new and good and cease to be
whirled around.
Marcus Aurelius.
The People and the Government

From the time the commission manager sys-
TEN of government for Phoenix first agitated
The Republican has been consistent advocate of
H. Notwithstanding the muddle which has sue
ceeded, it has lost none of its belief in the excel
of that system Our readers will recall that
The Republican frequently stated though, that
system however good not achievement but
only instrument intended to be used by the right
Kind of In the hands of the wrong kind of
IA good system might be used with more dis
effect than antiquated. awkward system.
\ sharp Ratchet in the hands of an irresponsible
boy is a much damaging instrument than a
dull Ratchet
We complained OF the old charter because of
its duness, restrictions, smothering effect
because it withheld power that the council ought
to have and exercise. We favored partisan
commission elected large instead of partisan
council elected by wards, but the time we
POINTED the danger of lodging the greater power
in the hands of improper men, We warned the
citizens of Phoenix that the government could be
better than majority of the voters, no matter
what system of government might be adopted. If
the people should make mistake, the whole gov
would be a mistake
1t is now conceded by a majority of the c
zens of Phoenix that we. the people, have made
others of apathetic and the consequence
is that regretting our folly and our
apathy.
Some of would destroy the system and
others of would change it, We would thereby
not qualified to use such an efficient instrument
though the people of other towns larger and
smaller than Phoenix have used it to good pur-
lose Instead of improving the human factor and
making it skllful the most efficient instru-
ment. would reduce the instruments efficiency
fit futity and nefficiency.
Hence have the proposed amendments TO
the charter We are not Directing to all the
amendments for some OF them are calculated to
remedy palpable but minor defects but We do
object especially that amendment which would
give the commission absolute control over the city
manager and make it powerful at all times to ham,
per his work.
However much a commission may lack mana
geria ability it is more likely than not if ii is
composed of honest choose good city man
ager The present commission chose wisely when
it selected Mr.. Parish ard again, it made no mis-
take when it chose his successor Mr.. Craig The
former made success of his administration and
would have been more successful but for the con-
slant interference of the commission The latter
interference which handicapped the efforts of his
predecessor
If amendment giving the commission power
to remove the manager will should he adopted
Phoenix will have need of a manager at $4,000 q
year-t would already have five managers such as
they might happen TO be. at 5000 year each.
The old city council system with all its anti
guilty and handcaps would be cheaper and better
The members would each be responsible to his party
and the voters of his ward, whereas the commits
sioners are responsible organization and to no
section o the city. II the people unwilling to
accept the responsibility of eecng good men tic
office they better leave it with oreaniza-
ton to exercise.
The amendment should be defeated by such
vote that the next commissioners would be definite
ly informed that it is the will of the people that
they confne themselves to the duties which the
charter plainly prescrbes and that they refrain
from interference with the equally plainly prescribed
duties of the city manager.
Above ALL, the people should assume at cleo
tons the duty which the charter contempates they
shall perform-that Of electing the right kind of
men the commission
The most amazing complaint vet made in con-
wit made by German