Charlevoix County Herald

TO BE CONGRATULATED
East Jordan In Having Commission Form of Government

The following editorial in the Traverse City Record-Eagle relative to East Jordan's new form of government, is true and puts into words what every citizen of our city who has our municipal well-being at heart, has in mind.

WORKS WELL IN EAST JORDAN

One of the smallest cities, if not the smallest city in the country, to adopt the commission form of government in this country, is East Jordan. Charlevoix county. That thriving little city of less than thirty-five hundred inhabitants became dissatisfied with ring rule and partisan politics and determined to get out from under. Therefore, with the interest of the whole city at heart, a little more than a year ago. the principal taxpayers gathered to discuss the problem. They decided that the commission form looked good, and that three men of ability and integrity could manage the affairs of the city better than six. The result was a vote to change the form of operation and the commission plan was adopted. The result—everybody is satisfied—with perhaps a few who were identified with the partisan form. The experiment has been successful and the taxpayers have confidence in the plan and the men chosen to conduct the city's affairs. Under the new charter there are two commissioners—one for two years, another for three years, besides a mayor elected for two years. The old plan required six aldermen and a mayor. Under this plan each new official will have the benefit of the experience of those holding over. The salaries are small, not much more than one thousand dollars annually, in addition to the salaries of clerk. assessor, treasurer, engineer and other officers who are appointed. The taxpayers take a strong stand in East Jordan in the matter of indicating their choice of the men best fitted for the offices and the first trial has proved so satisfactory that the confidence of the people in the new regime is pronounced. The municipal government last year witnessed a great saving of cost of operation, so much that plans are now being prepared for paving and building five miles of good roads in various directions from the city. A movement is also on foot to require the telephones, telegraph and light companies to place their wires under ground or remove their poles from the streets to the alleys. One of the objections from certain sources to a commission government for Traverse City is that the town is too small for the plan. The experience of East Jordan proves that the size of a town makes no difference.

Another election is coming on in East Jordan and no one there doubts that there will be any sentiment whatever against the present form.

East Jordan is to be congratulated.