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Newspaper
Middletown Journal
Location
Middletown, Ohio, United States of America
Date
Feb 17, 1963
Page
21
A discussion on Middletown governance notes the city commission of five resident property owners elected at large handles policy affecting all residents. It raises the question whether ward-based commissioner elections might better represent citizen views.
Middletown voters weigh a plan to elect city commissioners by wards or at large. Republican Brack Little and Democrat Frank Dobrozsi oppose ward elections, toutting broader community interest and broader candidate quality. Nine respond show seven favor at large, one prefers ward, one undecided.
City Commission leaders Donham and Lloyd defend citywide representation saying it best serves the whole city. Donham pins progress on Garfield urban renewal and credits long serving commissioners for good government. Lloyd adds that in a city this size, broad familiarity matters more than ward loyalty.
A historical note details that council-manager forms of government numbered about 1,800 nationwide at the end of 1962 with 77 percent elected strictly at large. The piece notes Chin and Middletown as examples and quotes Francis Carmody on ward versus at large representation for different city sizes.
89 year old Nettie Collins walks daily along a two mile route in Erie. She says walking gives air buses do not provide and recalls her mother’s habit of walking long distances. Her sister Mary Lockard, nearly 85, confirms her brisk pace and independent habit. Mrs Collins notes occasional riding when needed but prefers walking whenever possible.
Allen H. Morgan Jr., a Garfield area property owner, argues for ward elections to improve city representation. He says the current commission underrepresents African Americans and favors a ward system like Cleveland to bring government closer to residents and ensure broader city interests.
Commissioner Donald Gose argues against ward representation saying at large officials offer broader city-wide compromise and stability. Commissioner Robert Hayes counters ward politics breed issues but current commission serves all areas while officials insist on nonpartisan local governance.
Mrs Collins, 35 to 40 years with P Lorillard Co before it closed, still walks to work and church each week. She boasts of no arthritis or rheumatism and recalls cold winters as the first in decades. She remains active shoveling snow and mowing, supported by a sister nearby, and credits constant activity with staying young.
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