Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1919-03-15

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the matter properly before the poop
pie. and they can be depended upon
for an intelligent decision in the
matter.
1t might be interesting to know
that after short campaign in Nor
felix, Virginia, > 4G3 votes were cast
for the Commission Manager Plan
ard only l.222 against t.
| have every reason to- believe that
we will have the full cooperation of
the present council in any move to
provide an efficient and symplifed
system of government for AleXan-
Gria. The present City Council real
;zing the necessity of more direct
administration. MS already appointed
:, committee TO Investigate the City
Manager plan and from tine express
sions | have heard. the Council will
welcome the adoDtion Of any improved
plan.
However as the propo> ton is a
new one. and radical change from
the old system, | cannot emphasize
TOO strongly the necessity of getting
he matter Clearly before the peo-
pie. and a strong organization should
lie perfected to handle the matter for
the progressive citizenship, and see
that it gets full publicity, before the
election takes place.
The first step will be to circulate
petitions, to secure the signatures of
at least ten per cent of the voters.
qualified to vote at the last election
for Mayor or Councilmen, petitioning
the Judge of the Circuit Court to call
an election for change in Govern
ment. AS specified by law, the Judge
of the Circuit Court will call an cleo
ton on the matter, to be held not
less than thirty nor more than ninety
DAYS thereafter, =: which election the
people will by their vote indicate
whether they want change or not.
The election will be conducted by
the regular judge of election, and in
the same manner as other elections
are held.
Change Operative 1920.
If the majority Of the qualified
voters express themselves in favor Of
the change. the terms of the men,
bers of the present City Council and
Mayor. will cease and determine Sep
tember Isl. 1920. At the time of the
next regular election for Mayor and
Councimen, the new council will be
elected consisting Of five members
elected at large. and cne of whom viii
he eX-officio Mayor. The members so
elected will enter upon their duties
September lst, 1920, and will put in
to operation the Commission Manager
form Of Government.
IN conclusion would state that
this report has necessarily had to be
drawn hurricily, and as it deals with
a large subject. it is no" in exactly
the shape would like to have it.
/ hope, therefore. in considering
this report. and preparing the in
formation FOR Forwarding 10 the gen
cral meeting. that you will not hesi-
tate TO amend or change !! in any way
that YOU may see fit.
Review BY President Payne
President Payne. in his report re-
viewed the work accomplished dur
ing the year touching On the aid given
BIZ the Chamber to the various Lib
cr.v Loan drives. Red Cross, United
War Work. Knights Of Columbus
Christmas Red Cross Roll Call, aid
in the sanitary work. housing prob
lem. cooperation with the Virginia
Sh:pbuilGing Corporation. etc.
\ review Of the progress of Alex.
andra was given in the report and
Mr.. Payne in his report said in part
a definite city plan should be adopt
ed. in few years we will find our.
selves in position where we viii
have to tear down and rcorganize il
order to build a modern city. which i:
going to be necessity if we arr
20 keep abreast of the other cite!
: With which we are competing"
Report Of MIR. Preston.
The report of j: I. Preston, secre
4 tary and treasurer, showed the re
) ceirts during the year to have beel
S23,825.27 and Che balance on ham
0 $1,4O9.56.