The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-04-13
Make It Convincing, Mr.. Myers


Walter Myers defeated by Duva for mayor, has
fired the opening shot against the movement to adopt
the City Manager plan of government
His argument has the merit of sincerity, since he
is not pleading to retain job. True the uninten-
tional revelation that the political parties act to-
gether in crisis may be embarrassing, but the PEG
pie are fast learning that fact anyway
Every citizen will agree with Mr.. Myers when
lie brings this indictment against present conditions
in city affairs:
Conditions of city government in indianapolis
have become depIorably bad that If an cleo
ton were held tomorrow on the adoption of the
city manager plan, it would carry overwhelming
Iy by a vote of sheer disgust. That something
must be done everybody admits"
1t is exactly because Something must be done
that over $4,000 citizens signed their to petit
ton for change in the form of government.
state of mind that borders revolution, and
such the suggestion is not the best asset of city
To those who have studied the history Of gov
ernment in other cities which have been misruled
and manhandled by officials are convinced that the
City Manager government hits at the cause of the
"deplorable conditions" by substituting business
methods for political pull and making merit, not
political rickery and astuteness the basis of public
service.
Mr.. Myers says that this is all mistake and that
the city manager system has in it multitude Of
perils and menaces, contains elements of great
danger and is altogether mistake
And then he gives this his remedy
The present law throws plenty Of safeguards
around the rights of citizens Why not invoke
few impeachments proceedings for removal?
Surely all impeachment proceedings are not tine
tured with politics.
why not summon the substantial side of our
citizenship to rise and assert with determination
the high character that has made indianapolis
great city and drive out those who have made
laughing stock beyond the borders of the
State and stencil in the nostriIs here at homer"
The city manager election will not be held until
June. There are two months in which to apply this
remedy which Mr.. Myers suggests, and no one, of
course, is better able to enforce the remedy than
the doctor who prescribed it.
If that be the remedy let those who indorse Mr.
Myers view of the situation and of the dangers of
the city manager plan make the argument convnc-
ing by actually putting it into practice.
Before June, if his argument holds there could
be impeachment of those officials who says Mr..
Myers, have made us laughing stock abroad and
& stencil at home.
Here is job which should attract Mr. Myers
and all others who afraid that the people will
rush to the changed form of government unless re-
lief is given.
If the officials who deserve impeachment are
removed from office, if he succeeds in driving them
from power the people could then with less feeling
compare the two systems without the ever present
horrible example before them.
Evidence in such cities as Cleveland, Cincin-
natl, and Kansas City have shown that the city man
ager plan has produced good results and has lifted
the standard of public service.
If, as Mr. Myers suggests impeachment is the
proper course in Indianapolis, why not let him
demonstrate?
An actual impeachment of the officials Mr.
Myers holds responsible would be much more con-
yncing than merely pointing out its possibilities
Just when can the impeaching be expected to
c,cr--and where?