Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1922-09-27
CONSOLIDATED LOCAL


THE attention of The Tribune
L has been called to a referen-
dunn to be submitted to the voters
of this state at the next November
election. 1t is a proposed amend
ment to article 16 of the con5titu-
ton, and it's effect would be to
make it possible if the majority OF
the voters in any county and city
saw fit to consolidate county and
city government and also to modify
the present form of county govern
ment if so desired. Already statu-
tory permission looking to such &C
ton in Silver Bow county has been
obtained but it was declared uncon-
stitutional. We a see no good
reason why the amendment should
not carry. 1t compels no change IN
county government from the pres
ent system but makes it possible IN
the future if circumstances should
make it desirable in the interests of
economy. If all the new counties
proposed we're split off Cascade
county, undoubtedly it would be
desirable to have a consolidated
government in Great Falls as it is
now desirable to have it in Silver
Bow county. An organization to
secure publicity for the proposed
county government amendment
with Frank A. Hazelbaker of Dill
lon as chairman puts forth the fol-
lowing argument in favor of the
amendment:
Fifty-four Montana counties will
be given an opportunity to work
out their own administrative prob
lens by methods best suited to To-
cal conditions under the constltu-
tional amendment to be submitted
TO all the voters of the state at the
general election November T.. The
proposed amendment to article 1t
| of the constitution which would re
move the limitations of the present
restricted form of county govern
ment, a heritage from colonial days
has a twofold purpose: First, II
will permit counties to change the
form of their county government
Second, it makes possible city ane
county consolidation.
Few counties may wish consoli'
dation but all are interested IN say
ing expenses and in securing better
government than that provided un
under the present system, declare
leading citizens in all parts Of
Montana who have secured tht
presentation of the legislative RET
erendum in November.
No form of government under
this amendment, if adopted, can 81
forced on the people of any county
since all proposed changes by thu
legislative enactments it will make
: possible, must be submitted to {
vote. The amendment is intended
only to pave the way for an etti
cient and modern commission o.
other form of administration foi
counties and 70 permit the consoll
dation of cities and counties where
the present dual form of govern
ment imposes a burden OF double
taxation without a proportional
! return.
people are taxed to death unde'
the present system of county gov
eminent and demand a change
Frank A. Hazelbaker OF Dillon
chairman of the state campaign TO
consolidation, said recently. Few
er county officers can do the work
the adoption of the proposed
amendment will make possible
competent supervision in county ad
ministration, not the dictation o
cheap politicians. Some politician
looking for county jobs will not D.
in favor of the amendment, part1c
ularly if they are not qualified TO
the positions they seek. The meas
ure should benefit every county II
the state"
The proposed amendment ha
been officially endorsed by the re
publican state convention, the dem
ocrat:c state convention, the Mon
tana Municipal league, the Stat
Tax association meeting at Bill
lings, Governor Joseph M. Dixor