Our Government: Local, State, and National: Idaho Edition by J.A. James
page 29 of 263 (11%)
page 29 of 263 (11%)
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(2)Single Heads of Departments.--As a remedy for this defect, administrative departments in some cities are placed under the control of _single officers_. These are given authority to appoint their subordinates, and they are held strictly accountable for the management of the department. Responsibility is further concentrated in some cities by giving the mayor power to appoint these heads of departments. The Commission Form of City Government.--This form is found in a number of cities throughout the country. In place of the mayor and council these cities have a small body of men (generally three or five) who both make and execute city ordinances. They are elected at large from the city. Each of the commissioners is in charge of one or more of the city departments, and all subordinate officers are appointed by them. The commissioners are expected to devote their entire time to their duties and they are paid liberal salaries. Thus, it is hoped, city government will become more business-like and efficient. In most cities that have the commission form provision is made for the _initiative, referendum_, and _recall_. The initiative enables a body of citizens who sign a petition to obtain a certain law by popular vote, if the commission refuses to pass it. The referendum enables citizens to vote for or against a law that the commission has passed, and thus to repeal it if they desire. Under the recall a member of the commission can be made to stand for re-election, or else to resign, at any time during his term of office, if a certain number of citizens petition for this action. Qualifications of City Officers.--Grave questions are involved in these matters of organization, but the efficiency of city government |
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