Seattle's Elite Organize to Curb Political Patronage
A group of forty-six prominent citizens forms a Municipal League with the aim of stripping party politics from city administration and centralizing executive power.
Permanent organization of the Municipal League was accomplished last evening at a meeting of forty to fifty persons at the Chamber of Commerce. The adopted constitution provides for a president, secretary, and future by-laws. Hon. A. A. Denny presided, and W. H. White presented the constitution. The league's stated objectives include separating municipal administration from party politics, amending the city charter to create a single legislative house, granting the mayor full executive authority, and abolishing useless boards and commissions. A committee was formed to draft by-laws, and a resolution was unanimously passed recommending a non-partisan system of appointment for police and fire departments, ensuring that employees are selected based on merit rather than political influence. Forty-six men signed the constitution as charter members.
“The officers to whom is entrusted the protection of our persons and property should be trained and capable men, free from political bias or influences.”
The 1894 Municipal League's struggle against 'political and personal reasons' in hiring and its desire to centralize executive authority echoes the ongoing tension in Seattle between City Hall and the various commissions and oversight boards that characterize modern civic governance.
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