City Managers Plan Boosts Pay and Promotions for Employees
A plan adopted in several cities raises wages and job security for civil service workers while expanding promotion chances. Surveys show most manager cities avoided layoffs in year one, with benefits like pension systems, sick leave, and shorter hours. Labor unions gain influence on councils as nonpartisan elections reduce party friction. In Cambridge salaries rose to top state level. Brunswick employees endorsed the plan after a year.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cambridge
Mass
Cincinnati
Brunswick
Maine
Cincinnati proves manager government cuts waste and debt
Richard S. Childs chronicles Cincinnati’s 1924 adoption of the manager form, noting reductions in debt and taxes, service improvements, and a salary-funded self paying guard for Col. C. O. Sherrill. He cites 1933–38 bond debt cuts, rate refunds, street expansion, and praise from the National Municipal League for transforming a "sick city" into a "strong and healthy city."
The Council Manager Plan Elevates Voter Simplicity
The article argues the council manager form simplifies voter participation by keeping ballots short, with five names maximum, making offices nonpartisan in 85 percent of large communities. It asserts the voters express independent will, weakening political machines and enabling hires like out of town city managers for genuine progress.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Council
Board of Directors
City Hall
Plan Clears Debts in Kalamazoo City
In Kalamazoo Michigan a 59,000 bond was burned as Mayor-elect Blakeslee lit it marking Kalamazoo’s debt-free status, the first U.S. city over 50,000 to reach this milestone under a new pay as you go plan and a modernized city government. Teaneck and Wichita are cited as model and anniversary examples of the council manager system with cost savings and improved services in multiple cities.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cincinnati
Col. C. O. Sherrill
Kalamazoo
Michigan
Paul H. Todd
Arthur L. Blakeslee
Hock
United States
Teaneck
New Jersey
Wichita
Kansas
Peoria
Illinois
Peoria Journal
Also Mentioned on This Page
Civil Service
Labor
Superior
Wisconsin
Escanaba
Rollin H. Everett
American Newspaper Guild
Oklahoma City
Building Trades Council
Richard S. Childs
New York
Thomas H. Reed
Doris D. Reed
National Municipal League
Hynicka
PLAN
Hazard
Kentucky
Kua
Janesa-Ku BA Funeral Homes
Second Street
For All
Empire
3Rd Ave
Westside Loop
Burianee
Iowa
Strret S.E Phon
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