The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-06-23

aminations and tests for any em- ploy at any time. It is easy to see that this section could readily be used to enforce the retirementS of any employe who incurred the op- position of the director.
 This section would be productive of unrest and confusion which could impair or destroy the efficiency of every worker, as no person would know at what time he or she might be called upon for examination or inquiry by the personnel director.
 Section 310-This makes 1t im- possible for the personnel director to refuse employment or even the employment on the grounds of "un- fitness" of which he is apparently to be the sole judge. It strengthens the personnel director as a dictator. Section 3l1-The practice of certi- flying for employment only the per- son highest on the competitive list has been condemned by many ex- perienced non-political adminiStra- tors. There are many persons on any eligible list who might be far better fitted for a certain position than the who had happened to pass highest in an examination. This section further removes from several city boards or commissions the dut- ies of appointment already imposed upon them by law.
 Sections 3l2 to 3l6-These sections remove from certain boards and of- ficials the powers and duties given them under the law. It will ultim- ately make the commission, through the personnel director, the dictator not only of the employees but the policies of the city. Under such sweeping powers, it will be impos- sible to keep out political activity, even though the usual political terms are discarded, because of the human desire for power and the all most unlimited means to use it which, under these sections, become the sole and uncontrolled preroga- tive of the commission and director.
 Section 318-This section Is writ ten in one sentence of fourteen lines. This is itself would indicate the probability of confusion in its interpretation. Further, in the first two lines, every city employe Is forbidden to seek election to public office. The last two lines, however, contain the following curious con- fiict of words, provided nothing in this portion "+%" shall be construed to prohibit or prevent any such of- ficer or employe from seeking or accepting election or appointment to public off1ce." What does it all mean?
 Section 32l-This sets up provis- ions under which life tenure of positions may be had contingent up- on just cause" Admirable as this principle may be in theory, its ef- fectiveness has been destroyed by previous sections which make 1t im- possible for the personnel director to find "just cause" for removal at will Under his unlimited power to subject any employee to tests, ex- aminations and inquiSitions, any position can be made so irksome that resignation of the employee is bound to follow, even though his efficiency record is above criticisms.
 This section further gives the commission the right to expend funds without limit or control, without complete disregard of the budget requirements.
 Our charter provides for a board of IS aldermen to be elected by the people, no more than 8, how ever, to be of the same political party. The party in power with eight aldermen would have the mandate of the people nullified if 8 two-thirds vote were necessary on matters of policy. Under the proposed plan street sweeper could not be discharged without two-thirds vote. Is that an efficient method?