The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-24
UTILITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

The movement to restore to the munich palities some measure of control over the utilities which serve them is based upon a very profound public dissatisfaction with the results of control vested entirely in the Public Service Commission. It appears that relief may be obtained by a combination of two factors: A commission actuated pri- mary by desire to serve the public well fare above any other consideration; and such adjustment of authority over utilities as will compose the major grounds for crit cism and discontent. Fortunately for Ala bama, the people have recently had an op- portunity to replace undesirable commis- sioners by men who enjoy full measure of public confidence. Much is expected in the way of public justice from the commission as at present composed.
 As between those who contend for the full retention of the present powers of the commission and those who seek the restora- tion to the municipalities of full authority over the utilities serving them, it appears that Governor Brandon has offered sugges- tion that would well compose the situation. The governor has suggested that each
  sion in cases affecting its own utilities. If the governor meant that in such cases the municipal government would have equal voice in the questions affecting rates and franchises, and that the municipality would have authority in local regulations, which, while not important in themselves, yet in the absence of local authority to enforce them, serve to cause friction, there is no doubt that his suggestion is worth serious consideration. In this class come questions of rights of way, inadequacies of service, bad lighting, lack of specific heating units in gas, inferior street-car service, failure to provide necessary extension of equipment and service to neighborhoods within the municipality, and such minor complaints as city governments may promptly take cogni- zance of, but which are difficult and ex- pensive to bring to the attention of a re- mote commission. At present the utilities are inclined to ride roughshod over both patrons and municipalities, knowing as they do that the ability to take corrective meas ures lies with the state commission, and that the citizen is not equipped to bear the cost and furnish the argument necessary to carry minor and yet legitimate complaints before the commission.
 The governors suggestion also acts as safeguard against an inflamed condition of community that would penalize utility to degree where it would be unable to rem der efficient service. At the same time such a plan would give the municipality an equal voice in the commission in deternin- ing proper valuations and rates, and would confer upon the city governments the power of regulating those minor details requiring prompt settlement to insure the comfort and relief of the people.
 There is no question that the situation needs modification, and Governor Bran don's suggestion, if properly interpreted, appears to offer the desired solution. Ger tainly the present delegation of sole author ity to the state commission could not be continued without imposition of hardships and injustice to citizens of the municipaii- ties in Alabama The legislature owes, at least, the obligation of correction against a condition appearing most unjust.