Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1922-08-18
NOT A FAD.


problems of local government must have
been impressed by the recent news item
which announced that the municipal
manager form of government would be
continued in Springfield because it had
proved its worth This statement was
evoked by the resignation of John B.
Wright, who has managed the affairs of
Springfield since that municipal corpora
ton gained the distinction of being the
first in the state to place it's business in
the hands of an expert. Mr.. Wright
went to Springfield from Keene, n. III.
He is civil engineer who before coming
to Vermont had gained experience in
municipal administration. His resgna-
ton is to take effect any time before
January, 1923; and the selectmen and
village trustees have offered the position
to r. NJ Wilcomb, the present town and
village treasurer.
The road of the municipal manager
in Springfield was not an easy one to
travel. Soon after Mr.. Wright's ar
rival opposition developed which, at
times, took serious aspect. Many
looked upon this new form of govern
ment as fad transplanted from the
outside world which would not long en-
dure in conservative Vermont AS time
went on, how ever, and it was demon
strated that. a real saving was effected
the opposition began to fade away. To-
day the system seems to be fixture in
Springfield. 1t is interesting to note
that the balance sheet for the year 1921
showed cash balance Of S43S69.S0;
and that the towns debt has been de-
creased $40. 256. il during Mr. Wrights
regime. Prior to the adoption of the
new form of government the debt of the
town had steadily increased. This is a
real achievement and shows what can
be done when the same principles which
govern the business corporation are APP
piled to the municipal corporation.
The experience of Springfield merely
confirms the evidence from other places.
Rarely has there been an attempt to
abolish the municipal manager system,
once it has been adopted. 1t is reason
able to believe that any city or town in
! Vermont having n population of 1000
or more would find it advantageous to
adopt this business-like way of conduct
ing its municipal affairs. 1t is not i'm
possible that it would be feasible for the
community of 5000 or 1900 people. but
to argue for this form of government in
a smaller place would be like arguing
! for large scale production machine in
a 0ne-man shop. Common sense must
lead us to the conclusion that there are
barely dozen places in Vermont where
the municipal manager form of govern
ment would be fairly sure of success,
with an open question about a score or
so of others.
1t is not difficult matter for any
town or village to adopt the municipal
manager form of government under the
authority of the General Laws of Yer
mont A city is not recognized in the
enabling statute and would be obliged to
arr,r :, tho legislature to change its
form of government if its charter con-
tains no provision for n city manager.
st. Adams is operating under the city
manager plan of government by virtue OF
|
rated village, however, may adopt the
system by voting so to do in an annual
or special meeting provided that an art
Gle to that effect has been inserted in
the warning The selectmen are re
quired by law to insert such an article
when petitioned by number of voters
equal to four per cent of the total vote
cast in the town for governor at the last
election. Revocation of the plan may
be accomplished in substantially tn,
same manner. The town or village hav
ing adopted the municipal manager
form of government, it becomes the duty
, of the selectmen or trustees to appoint
manager who may be or may not b'
resident of the town. 1t is expected
! that he will be familiar with municipa
administration and he is appointe,
without reference to his political belief
: lie is responsible to the men who ap
point him and they may remove him fo
wise voted by the town OF village hi
l salary is determined by the selectnlen o.
, trustees. Before entering upon his tasl
. he is required to be sworn to the faith
e full performance of his duties and mus
execute a bond in favor of the town. III
: has general supervision of municipal af
. fairs. and is the administrative head o
2 all departments. Police officers an,
= members of the fire department are ap
/ pointed and removed by him; and h
2 determines their salaries. He become
the purchasing agent of the town, per