South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-06-08
EXPLAINS CITY
MANAGER PLAN
Dayton Commissioner Tells of
Successful Work Being
Done in Ohio City.

Because they have confidence in
the way the city is run the Dayton
people are taking an interest in civic
matters and cooperating with the
city officials in solving them" de-
clared I. NJ Switzer. member of the
city commission Of Dayton. O., in an
address to the citizens of South Bend
last night in the Elks temple.
Mr. Switzer has been a member
Of the commission which has been so
successful in giving the city of Day
ton a clean and up TO date govern
ment for the past two years. The
speaker explained that he was not a
political advocate but that he was
appearing I'm the city on the invita-
ton of the Chamber OF Commerce
to explain the city manager form OF
government He spoke from the
wealth of experience that Dayton.
the largest city under this form, has
enjoyed. IL has proved 10 he an un-
qualified success and though, as he
explained there were many things
yet to be accomplished, wonderful
strides toward ideal government
have already been made and there
is a promise OF still more improve
ment.
Gets Cheap Gasoline.
Because of the foresight Of the
purchasing agent employed in 1914,
when the new form went into effect,
the city of Dayton is buying and viii
buy until August I. 1916. all of its
gasoline at the rate of nine cents
per gallon. This was only one of the
many savings that the new city man
ager plan has effected. The totals of
saving are surprising. With an in
creased income Of $4,000 In 1914.
the commission managed govern
ment gave increased service TO the
extent of $t39.OOO The great saw
ing was effected in efficient man.
agement.
The difference between the COM
mission form Of government and the
city manager plan was pointed out
with great exactness. The former is
still in the realms of politics but as
to the latter the speaker affirmed:
The elections are nOnpartisan and
general-that is without reference
to ward lines so that the best men of
the city are elected" These are five
in number and in order to open the
position to the poorest man in the
city a salary of 81 400 is paid to each
commissioner. He need therefore
not leave his business since ne is re-
quired TO spend but five or six hours
a week of his time in the service of
the city.
Must Watch Boss.
The boss" declared Mr.. Switzer.
the man behind the scenes lodging
the light of publicity is the man TO
be guarded against. In Dayton we
have a boss but If he is the center of
power he is also the center of re-
sponsibility." He then went on TO
explain the checks that the new sys-
tenn supplied for the old checks and
balances that retarded efficient gov
eminent. The initiative and refer
endum and recall are all provided
that the people may at all times be
in control of the officials. Even the
city manager who is responsible TO
both the commission and to the peo-
pie may be recalled at any time.
The lecture was profusely illus
trated with colored slides showing
wildly what had been accomplished
in a material way toward lettering
conditions in Dayton. The publicity
propaganda that is continually car
ried on as an essential part of the
system, was also demonstrated. The
people are kept informed as To every
move that is made and are asked to
cooperate with the officials.