The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-04-02
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1881
The Fight Is On

Waterbury will be treated to series of special referendums judging by the bills drawn up last night by proponents of the city man. sger form of government One measure pro- poses a special election in June 10 decide whether this city IS 10 continue under its present government or whether we will sub stitute the city manager and council. A second bill presupposes its failure and provides for future referendums upon petition of 1000 cit izens. Offhand we'd say that these 1000 sig natures could be easily obtained. but if the plan fails to go through this year the chances will become simmer and simmer
 City manager advocates realize that for they know that if Frank Hayes is continued in office he will convince the majority of peo- pie in Waterbury that the mayor and council form of government is as effective as any other when the right man is on the job. In his year and three months in office he has con- vinced good many. By the end of this year he will have made more converts. That's why it is advisable to hold this referendum on the city manager plan before the city elec- tions in October Of course the trifling ex- pense of holding special election doesn't count with people who have already saddled the charter commissions expense account upon us. Yet these same people are quick to seize upon figures and point out deficits and ex- ceeded appropriations, etc.
 Prohibitonists plunged this nation into turmoil because they couldn't resist poklng their noses into other peoples business his seems to be an age of don'ts. Personal rights are ignored. If more people would tend to their own knitting and allow the city govern ment to be managed by the officials elected for that purpose Waterbury wouldn't be symbol of inefficient political management ro the state. Referring back to the remark of E. o. Goss of the Seovill Company made night or so ago we agree with him that city charter can became antiquated Certain changes are demanded by the times. We think Mayor Hayes realizes that as much as the next man. But what he realizes more than any thing else is that an economical administra ton must be provided. No city manager thinking of his Sl2,000 or Sl5,000 salary can bring about any more economics than on the city manager question, but we think Mayor Hayes.
 We aren't opposed to a special referendum that if 1t is held in connection with the city election in October neither side will have an advantage It is charged that the politicians will have had time to campaign. So will the city manager advocates Do they hope to force this change in government on the city by cleverly rushing 1t through before opposition has had time to array itself? If we understand the city manager proponents, they are think ing only of the oppressed citizens of Water bury struggling under their tax burdens. The four months between June and October would give one side no more advantage than the other However. that isn't for us to decide. But the expense of the election will be borne jointly by all of us. However, that's mere detail if we're going to find nice S12,0OO job for some deserving republican who can't get himself elected to office in democratic Waterbury