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Show THE DES MOINES PLAN. Out of dire necessity grew the commission system of municipal government. Galveston faced a calamity with which the then controlling forces could not cope, in the face of which the powers were utterly useless. When the tidal wave swept in over the Texas city, in the demoralization that followed it was demonstrated that the system of municipal control by boards, council and mayor was inefficient, and the citizens of Galveston got the legislature to enact a law putting aside the old worn-out system and substituting therefor a commission com-mission system, which has since proved its value. A comparative statement of the financial transactions trans-actions of the city for twelve year3 shows that the commission saves $500 a day over the expenses of the old governmental practice, and carries on more municipal improvements than ever. It doesn't require a prophet, seer or revelator to see the advantages ad-vantages of a $500 a day saving, especially when that saving is continuous. In the case of Galveston, Galves-ton, the daily saving of $500 runs over a period of six years. Though perfection was sought, it could not be expected. Perfection is unattainable. The new plan worked so well in Texas, however, that other cities in other states have secured new charters from the legislature, and have improved on the Galveston Gal-veston idea as originally worked out.. . Among" the states to grant new governing laws along these new lines is Iowa, and Des Moines, a city of approximately approxi-mately 80,000 inhabitants, has seized her opportun-. ity and instituted the "Des Moine3 plan," which is founded on the principles of the Galveston idea", with such modifications as it is thought will improve im-prove the original. The 1 aw making possible the change in Des Moines was passed by the Iowa legislature and approved ap-proved by the governor on March 29, 1907. It applies ap-plies only to cities having a population of 25,000 or more, so affects about half a dozen cities of that state if they choose to take advantage of it. The proposition must be presented to the voters on petition pe-tition of 25 per cent of the electors at any preceding preced-ing city election. The commission consists of four councilmen and a mayor, who are nominated at non-partisan primaries, and each of whom is at the head of a city department, one of public affairs, one of accounts ac-counts and finances, one of public safety, one of streets and public improvements and one of parks and public property. A majority of the council is necessary to pass any measure, but all franchises to public service corporations must be submitted to a vote of the people for rejection or approval. One very admirable feature of the Iowa law is the provision substituting personal merit for political po-litical pull in securing and holding subordinate and clerical positions under the city. This feature alone is sufficient to commend the law to all who seek the best possible service for the city. Publicity Public-ity is provided for in the publication of itemized statements of receipts and expenditures each month, which statements must be presented to the state library, the city library, the newspapers, and furnished to every person applying for a copy. The right of recall is provided, by means of which any or all elected councilmen and the mayor may be removed from office. Furthermore, if the council fails to act. tho people ran cm;-. 1 under the section of the law providing itiative. The people can, too, reject ai,y tion passed by the council, and may. if :h, y , , sire, return to the former plan of city ,, :-.:.-r.. after six years' trial. Considering that under the old pinn -ticians ran things as they saw fit. whiio c new plan the city officials are under thr --..; -,,! , ; the people, it is not likely Des Moines or ; . . city of Iowa will vote for a return to .'-,' ,ij "kings, lords and commons" system of i- ..;.,. tence and irresponsibility. Under this n-'- . , definite responsibility is fixed, and the :..-,. the whole city are equally looked after. |
