Everett Eyes the 'Commission Plan' for City Government
Following a lecture by a Spokane commissioner, Everett citizens push to abandon ward politics in favor of a new municipal structure.
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The visit of D. C. Coates, commissioner of public works of Spokane, to the high school auditorium has given impetus to the movement for a commission form of municipal government in Everett. Coates detailed the savings of public funds and the elimination of corporation domination that followed the adoption of the new charter in Spokane. This model allows for the initiative, referendum, and recall, giving people constant supervision over public affairs. Advocates hope to elect a freeholders committee this fall to draft a new charter, effectively replacing the current ward system with a more accountable structure.
“The feature of the commission form which stands out prominently like a beacon light is the opportunity it affords the people to absolutely fix responsibility.”
The Progressive Era's push for the 'Commission Plan' was a radical attempt to reform municipal corruption. Today, this search for democratic accountability and the 'fixed responsibility' of local government remains a central concern in Pacific Northwest civic discourse.
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