Evening star., 1953-01-28
Officials Clash
On City Report
In Alexandra
Managers Statement
Called Premature
By Mayor Beverley
BY Mary Lou Werner

BY Mary Lou Werner
Mayor Marshall j. Beverley
and City Manager Ira Willard of
Alexandria waged a bitter feud
today as a result of the Iatter's
report on unsatisfactory" con-
ditionS in the municipal govern
ment.
Mayor Beverley called the
managers report premature"
and said he was not sure Mr..
Willard knew what he was talk
ing about.
The 10-page report which Mr..
Willard made public at coun-
Gil meeting last night paints a
dismal picture of poor organ
ization in the city government
and warns that such conditions
might well lead to financial ruin.
"We didn't even have time to
study the report before he gave
it to the newspapers" said Mr..
Beverley. The Mayor added:
''Mr. Wizards statement that
the government has failed to
keep pace with the city's growth
is incorrect. He has only been
city manager six monthS-a
virtual stranger to the city.
Every one knows Alexandria
has progressed. We have the
best school system in the State
particularly in the nearby Vir-
ginia area.
Compare Alexandria with the
other suburban Virginia COM
munitieS near Washington. {.
We give our people far more
services for much lower taxes
than any Of them"
Professional Surveys Opposed.
Mayor Beverley said he was
opposed to any more professional
surveys at the present time as
recommended by Mr.. Willard.
He said the city manager and
his staff should be able to do all
the surveying neceSSary-''it'n
give him a better idea of what's
going on"
The Mayor commented that
Mr.. Willard was seeking an in
crease in his $12, 500 salary at the
present time. He said he was
opposed to giving him any in
crease now because other city
employees weren't getting any. If
a salary increase is deserved it
should not be granted until the
new fiscal year begins in July.
he said.
~ The manager suggests that the
city call on experts from the
Institute of Local and State
Government. Wharton Graduate
Division, University of Penn
Sylvania, to show how things
could be improved.
Members of council voted to
talk things over with Mr.. Willard
at a special meeting Monday.
They suggested that his report be
kept confidential until that time,
but Mr.. willard announced that
he already had given copies to
the newspapers. The council dis
banded without further COM
ment.
Mr.. Willard calls his report
the first phase of a proposed
administrative improvement pro-
gram for the city government.
He particularly complains of
Confusing" and "disheatening"
relations between the council
and the manager.
Jurisdictions Crossed.
I'm some instances, the city
manager participates in policy
making, which is the function of
the City Council, and in other
cases the City Council directs ad-
ministration/ which is the re-
sponsibliity OF the city manager"
For instance, Mr.. Willard con-
tends he mixed in policy matters
by serving on several advisory
boards. He says members of the
council have stepped into his
sphere by dealing directly with
department heads and that indi-
vidual council members have
given him directiveS he feels
should come from the entire
council.
Mr.. Willard recommends II
steps to correct some Of the prob
lens he has encountered:
Preparation of a clear state
ment of the city managers duties
and responsibilities; reorganiza-
ton Of the city administration
reducing the number of city
departments by consolidation;
preparation of an administrative
code to define the duties of the
various departments; prepara-
ton of a position classification
and pay system; a study of per-
sonnel policies and benefits; a
management survey.
Also, establishment of a con-
tinuous budget process; a COM
plete review Of the city's financial
condition: new codification of
ordinances; establishment Of a
better public relations program.
and preparation of a compre-
hensive city plan to guide the
city in both physical and finan-
,cial planning policies