Evening star., 1946-02-01
Arlington Group
Starts Work on
Revised Charter
Nonportison Election
Provision Included
After Public Hearing

IiVvlSiOu IuSiUOSO
After Public Hearing
The Arlington County Charter
Commission today viii start work on
a revised draft of q bill to incorpo-
rate the county as a nrst-class city
after discussing suggested changes
and amendments at public hear
ing last night.
Chairman Lawrence Douglas said
the commission will try to complete
the revision by Wednesday and send
the bill to the General Assembly
within eight or nine days.
Principal alteration of the charter
suggested by the representatives OF
IL civic groups was the inclusion OF
amendments placing nonpartisan
election provisions in the tentative
bill.
Citizens Reiterate Position.
The nonpartisan provisions origi.
nally were proposed by the County
Civic Federation, which last night
reiterated its position.
Civic Association representatives
said the principal objection to the
present county government is not
that lit Is an antiquated or wasteful
government, but that there is not
sufficient opportunity for participa-
tion In the formation of its policies. u
Harvey Williams of the New
Arlington Citizens Association said
the failure to include provisions for
truly nonpartisan elections and for
the operation of the initiative
referendum and recall constitutes a
fragrant Haunting of the public will,
as expressed in previous hearings by
individuals and representatives Of
civic, business and women's organ
izations."
Fenwick Explains Plan.
Charles r. Fenwick, former Airing
ton representative in the House of
Delegates, told the commission a
nonpartisan primary actually is a
runofi election, contrary to the
uniformity of election provisions re-
quired by State law.
He explained that, by the pro-
posals, the general election can
didates would be restricted to those
receiving the highest number of
votes in such nonpartisan primary.
II provision is made, he said, elm
mating this curtailment, there would
be no objection to the nonpartisan
primary.
Because Of civil service regulations
and Hatch Act restrictions, Mr.
Williams said. the choice for candi-
dates is limited to nom Federal en-
ployes, which constitute approx
mately IS or 10 per cent Of the
electorate.
Disadvantage Too Great.
They can be independent candi-
dates, he added, but the disadvantage
Of competing with permanent party
organization candidates is too great
in an area "long domi-
mated by machine that knows all
the tricks"
Another change strongly urged al
the hearing was to increase the
council to at least seven members
The tentative charter provides fol
a f1ve-member group.
Clement Johnston, representing
the Civic Federation. said the or.
ganization feels a larger council /.
needed to give adequate representa-.
ton to all sections of the community
because of Arlington's expanded
population.
Referendum Clauses Urged.
H. H. Howe, speaking as an indi.
vidual, recommended that the com.
mission make referendum provision.
in the charter for all controversial
points.
Other recommendation included
direct election of the city attorney
a director of finance answerabl,
only to the council, bonded indeb.
tedness not to exceed $500, 900 with.
out consent of citizens, elective offic,
vacancies to be filled by special cleo
tion when at least six months O.
the term remains. specific provision
for the imposition of city automo'
bile license taxes and short-tern
debenture bonds to be subject only
to public sale.
The appointment Of a three.
member civil service commission ir
connection with the department o.
personnel also was recommended
in addition to the election of 6
Corporation Court judge when il
becomes necessary.
Further points favored city man.
ager employment without specific
term, borrowing powers and bone
issues to require either a four fifth.
or five-sevenths council vote, estab
lshment Of a department of public
works and special election of tn
council. after incorporation is voted
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