The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-02-01

Perhaps some people in Water bury are under the impression that the Citizens Good Govern ment association is trying to force a city manager charter upon the people of Waterbury simply by procuring enactment of a new charter by the general assembly, and without affording the people of Waterbury an opportunity to express themselves at all on this important matter. Nothing could be further from the truth.
 It cannot be too strongly em- phasized that this association (which, by the way, consists of nearly 10000 Waterbury citizens, representative of all elements of the community Is seeking to give the people of Waterbury an op- portunity to vote upon @ new charter providing for Q city man. ager and the proportional repre- sentation method of electing the city legislative body. This is known as the cincinnati plan" and that city is generally regard- cd as being the best governed in the United States.
 We believe that the people of Waterbury, and they alone, should have the right to say whether or not they want this kind of charter. For that reason, the charter sponsored by this associa- ton, and which has been intro- duced in the house of represen- tatives by Hon. Hugo Guastaferri, provides specifically that there be a referendum on the subject so that the people of Waterbury may accept or reject 1t at @ special election to be held several weeks after approval of the bill by Gov ernor Baldwin. The whole de- cision will rest with the people themselves, and that is truly the principle of home rule.
 THE CITY MANAGER PLAN
 Business Management in City Government: The city of Wa terbury is a corporation doing business as a service agency, sup- plying fire and police protection, safeguards for public health, maintenance of streets and alleys, and similar public needs. Like other business enterprises, its suc- cess is largely measured by sat- isfaction received per dollar ex- pended.
 Like Business Organization: The city manager plan applies the form and best methods of corpo- rate business organization to city government. Control of policy is centered In e small city council comparable to e board of direc- tors, while responsibility for ad- ministration Is imposed on e technical expert, the city man. ager, who corresponds to the chief executive of a corporation.
 FUNDAMENTAL FEATURES
 The Council: A council of seven members is elected at large on 8 non bipartisan ballot. Elec- ton will be by proportional rep- resentation Ca method recently adopted by New York city). Pro- portional representation prevents machine control Of the ballot and gives representation to minority groups in the city in direct pro- portion to their voting strength. The small council, being less cum bersone, is more business-like in operation and Is more easily watched by the press and citi- zenry. The prestige and power of the office of councilman in @ small council attracts men Of high cali- bre, who, free from administrative burdens, are able to devote their time to broad matters of policy.
 Jne MayOr;
 A mayor is elected by the coun- ell from It's own members to pre- side as chairman without power of veto, serve as ceremonial head of the city, and act as leader of public opinion Of the community in municipal affairs. Neither the mayor nor the council has the power to interfere with the ad- ministrative functions of the man. ager. except to dismiss him after public hearing for good cause.
 The City Manager:
 The city manager Is not an elected cfiicIal, makes none of the political commitments required of elected officials, and is selected by the council solely on the basis of training. ability and experience. Subject to civil service require i,cnts, the manager appoints heads Of departments and superviSeg de- activities.