WARD SYSTEM - Revision history

Randylyon at 16:06, 31 August 2021

2021-08-31T16:06:03Z

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	[[Category: City Government]]		[[Category: City Government]]
			[[Category: Map]]

Randylyon at 00:41, 20 June 2019

2019-06-20T00:41:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:41, 20 June 2019
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	In 1914 consideration was given to the commission of government as practiced in Des Moines. In an editorial published by the ''Dubuque Herald'', the writers pointed out that the mayor lacked a veto, a power which the mayor of Dubuque possessed. While the commission form had some virtues, according to the editorial, this lack of veto made it a bad alternative. (5)		In 1914 consideration was given to the commission of government as practiced in Des Moines. In an editorial published by the ''Dubuque Herald'', the writers pointed out that the mayor lacked a veto, a power which the mayor of Dubuque possessed. While the commission form had some virtues, according to the editorial, this lack of veto made it a bad alternative. (5)

	On April 20, 1920 the city council adopted a resolution approving "The Manager Plan of Municipal Government. On April 26th, [[CARR, Ossian\|Ossian CARR]] became the first city manager. (6) An attempt to repeal the manager form failed in 1934. In 1967 a bill passed in the Iowa Legislature allowed council-manager cities to enlarge their councils from five to seven members. Four of the council representatives were to be elected from wards and two council members and the mayor were to be elected at-large. Councilman Eldon Pfohl favored the changes especially making the mayor's position a full-time job. A petition he circulated asking for a referendum on a change to wards, he noted, was not to get rid of the council manager but to elect a full-time mayor. (7)		On April 20, 1920 the city council adopted a resolution approving "The Manager Plan of Municipal Government. On April 26th, [[CARR, Ossian E.\|Ossian E. CARR]] became the first city manager. (6) An attempt to repeal the manager form failed in 1934. In 1967 a bill passed in the Iowa Legislature allowed council-manager cities to enlarge their councils from five to seven members. Four of the council representatives were to be elected from wards and two council members and the mayor were to be elected at-large. Councilman Eldon Pfohl favored the changes especially making the mayor's position a full-time job. A petition he circulated asking for a referendum on a change to wards, he noted, was not to get rid of the council manager but to elect a full-time mayor. (7)

	The city in 1980 was using the council-manager-at-large system of government. The mayor was selected from among the council members. In 1980 [[BRADY, James\|James BRADY]] believed his seniority entitled him to be mayor. The council, however, chose Sister [[FARRELL, Carolyn\|Carolyn FARRELL]], the first female council member and the top vote-getter. That resulted in a petition drive and referendum that created the ward system. (8) James Brady became the first mayor elected by voters in Dubuque in 1981 and the first mayor chosen by popular vote since 1918. Six new council members were also elected. (9)		The city in 1980 was using the council-manager-at-large system of government. The mayor was selected from among the council members. In 1980 [[BRADY, James\|James BRADY]] believed his seniority entitled him to be mayor. The council, however, chose Sister [[FARRELL, Carolyn\|Carolyn FARRELL]], the first female council member and the top vote-getter. That resulted in a petition drive and referendum that created the ward system. (8) James Brady became the first mayor elected by voters in Dubuque in 1981 and the first mayor chosen by popular vote since 1918. Six new council members were also elected. (9)

Randylyon at 21:15, 19 June 2019

2019-06-19T21:15:56Z

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	On April 20, 1920 the city council adopted a resolution approving "The Manager Plan of Municipal Government. On April 26th, [[CARR, Ossian\|Ossian CARR]] became the first city manager. (6) An attempt to repeal the manager form failed in 1934. In 1967 a bill passed in the Iowa Legislature allowed council-manager cities to enlarge their councils from five to seven members. Four of the council representatives were to be elected from wards and two council members and the mayor were to be elected at-large. Councilman Eldon Pfohl favored the changes especially making the mayor's position a full-time job. A petition he circulated asking for a referendum on a change to wards, he noted, was not to get rid of the council manager but to elect a full-time mayor. (7)		On April 20, 1920 the city council adopted a resolution approving "The Manager Plan of Municipal Government. On April 26th, [[CARR, Ossian\|Ossian CARR]] became the first city manager. (6) An attempt to repeal the manager form failed in 1934. In 1967 a bill passed in the Iowa Legislature allowed council-manager cities to enlarge their councils from five to seven members. Four of the council representatives were to be elected from wards and two council members and the mayor were to be elected at-large. Councilman Eldon Pfohl favored the changes especially making the mayor's position a full-time job. A petition he circulated asking for a referendum on a change to wards, he noted, was not to get rid of the council manager but to elect a full-time mayor. (7)

	The city in 1980 was using the council-manager-at-large system of government. The mayor was selected from among the council members. In 1980 [[BRADY, James\|James BRADY]] believed his seniority entitled him to be mayor. The council, however, chose Sister [[FARRELL, Carolyn\|Carolyn FARRELL]], the first female council member and the top vote-getter. That resulted in a petition drive and referendum that created the ward system. (8) James Brady ~~becae~~ the first mayor elected by voters in Dubuque in 1981 and the first mayor chosen by popular vote since 1918. Six new council members were also elected. (9)		The city in 1980 was using the council-manager-at-large system of government. The mayor was selected from among the council members. In 1980 [[BRADY, James\|James BRADY]] believed his seniority entitled him to be mayor. The council, however, chose Sister [[FARRELL, Carolyn\|Carolyn FARRELL]], the first female council member and the top vote-getter. That resulted in a petition drive and referendum that created the ward system. (8) James Brady became the first mayor elected by voters in Dubuque in 1981 and the first mayor chosen by popular vote since 1918. Six new council members were also elected. (9)

	In April, 1981 the city council began studying three different plans for creating wards. Two of the plans emphasized neighborhood boundaries. The third attempted to include broad demographics in each of the four wards. Under the new system, seven people would serve on the council. Four would be elected from wards representing their district's interests as well as general city concerns. Elected at-large would be two members and a mayor. All three plans attempted to match populations in the four areas with none having less than 23.5 percent and none with more than 26.7 percent. (10)		In April, 1981 the city council began studying three different plans for creating wards. Two of the plans emphasized neighborhood boundaries. The third attempted to include broad demographics in each of the four wards. Under the new system, seven people would serve on the council. Four would be elected from wards representing their district's interests as well as general city concerns. Elected at-large would be two members and a mayor. All three plans attempted to match populations in the four areas with none having less than 23.5 percent and none with more than 26.7 percent. (10)

Randylyon at 03:09, 27 November 2017

2017-11-27T03:09:02Z

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	Municipal government came to Dubuque in 1837. In late 1836 the Wisconsin territorial legislature, which governed Dubuque, decided to allow [[MINING]] settlements with over three hundred inhabitants to incorporate as cities. This allowed such communities to legally regulate commerce and administer justice. In the spring of 1837 white males over twenty-one years of age living in Dubuque voted to incorporate and establish a board of trustees to govern. The board was comprised of five men elected at-large with one appointed by the trustees to serve as president.		Municipal government came to Dubuque in 1837. In late 1836 the Wisconsin territorial legislature, which governed Dubuque, decided to allow [[MINING]] settlements with over three hundred inhabitants to incorporate as cities. This allowed such communities to legally regulate commerce and administer justice. In the spring of 1837 white males over twenty-one years of age living in Dubuque voted to incorporate and establish a board of trustees to govern. The board was comprised of five men elected at-large with one appointed by the trustees to serve as president.

	This form of government lasted until 1841~~. Recommended by the citizens of Dubuque through the Board of Trustees and approved by the Territorial Legislature,~~ a ~~city charter for the City of Dubuque~~ was adopted by the city by popular vote on March 1, 1841. It provided for the election of a mayor and six aldermen two elected from each of Dubuque's three wards to comprise a city council and gave to that group the usual powers needed for the establishment and maintenance of city government. (2) The mayor, the administrative leader, voted only to break ties.		This form of government lasted until 1841 when a [[CITY CHARTER]] was approved.

	Dubuque's form of government was provided by a special city charter granted by the State of Iowa in 1857. Dubuque became one of only forty cities to possess such a charter since no other special charters were issued. The number of alderman increased to ten and occasionally eleven. The number of wards rose to five.

	Dubuque autonomy was restricted in 1897 when the Legislature stated that Dubuque could not continue its strict ward system. The state mandated no more than five alderman, two at-large council members, and an at-large elected mayor.		Dubuque autonomy was restricted in 1897 when the Legislature stated that Dubuque could not continue its strict ward system. The state mandated no more than five alderman, two at-large council members, and an at-large elected mayor.

Randylyon at 03:28, 15 June 2017

2017-06-15T03:28:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:28, 15 June 2017
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	In 1990 the ''Telegraph Herald'' editorial writers again called for a change in government. Citing the results of the previous election, only one council member had an opponent. By electing council members at-large, the editorial writers suggested voters could elect candidates without regard to their home address. (13) Observers of the ''Telegraph Herald'' would find their opposition to the ward system as early as 1984 when it editorialized on the "log-rolling" being done by one councilman. In placing his ward's interests above the city's, a councilman refused to approve repairing Kennedy Road before Rockdale Road was improved. The editorial noted former mayor [[AUSTIN, Ruben V.\|Ruben V. AUSTIN]] observation that at-large government officials had to "appeal...to a broad cross-section of our community to get elected." (14)		In 1990 the ''Telegraph Herald'' editorial writers again called for a change in government. Citing the results of the previous election, only one council member had an opponent. By electing council members at-large, the editorial writers suggested voters could elect candidates without regard to their home address. (13) Observers of the ''Telegraph Herald'' would find their opposition to the ward system as early as 1984 when it editorialized on the "log-rolling" being done by one councilman. In placing his ward's interests above the city's, a councilman refused to approve repairing Kennedy Road before Rockdale Road was improved. The editorial noted former mayor [[AUSTIN, Ruben V.\|Ruben V. AUSTIN]] observation that at-large government officials had to "appeal...to a broad cross-section of our community to get elected." (14)

	The [[IOWA TRUST ~~SCANDAL~~]] led to a short-lived petition drive in 1992 to end the council-manager-ward system of government. Leaders of the drive, however, stopped their efforts after being advised their efforts might make it difficult to fill the manager's position after the resignation of [[GEARHART, Kenneth\|Kenneth GEARHART]]. Change was further complicated by the hiring of [[VAN MILLIGEN, Michael\|Michael VAN MILLIGEN]]. Forcing a referendum required at least twenty-five percent of eligible voters who voted in the last city election signing a petition. The city council then had to schedule a special election within sixty days. (15)		The [[IOWA TRUST FUND]] scandal led to a short-lived petition drive in 1992 to end the council-manager-ward system of government. Leaders of the drive, however, stopped their efforts after being advised their efforts might make it difficult to fill the manager's position after the resignation of [[GEARHART, Kenneth\|Kenneth GEARHART]]. Change was further complicated by the hiring of [[VAN MILLIGEN, Michael\|Michael VAN MILLIGEN]]. Forcing a referendum required at least twenty-five percent of eligible voters who voted in the last city election signing a petition. The city council then had to schedule a special election within sixty days. (15)

Randylyon at 03:23, 15 June 2017

2017-06-15T03:23:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:23, 15 June 2017
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	In 1914 consideration was given to the commission of government as practiced in Des Moines. In an editorial published by the ''Dubuque Herald'', the writers pointed out that the mayor lacked a veto, a power which the mayor of Dubuque possessed. While the commission form had some virtues, according to the editorial, this lack of veto made it a bad alternative. (5)		In 1914 consideration was given to the commission of government as practiced in Des Moines. In an editorial published by the ''Dubuque Herald'', the writers pointed out that the mayor lacked a veto, a power which the mayor of Dubuque possessed. While the commission form had some virtues, according to the editorial, this lack of veto made it a bad alternative. (5)

	In 1920 ~~Dubuque~~ adopted of the ~~council-~~manager ~~form~~. An attempt to repeal the manager form failed in 1934. In 1967 a bill passed in the Iowa Legislature allowed council-manager cities to enlarge their councils from five to seven members. Four of the council representatives were to be elected from wards and two council members and the mayor were to be elected at-large. Councilman Eldon Pfohl favored the changes especially making the mayor's position a full-time job. A petition he circulated asking for a referendum on a change to wards, he noted, was not to get rid of the council manager but to elect a full-time mayor. (6)		On April 20, 1920 the city council adopted a resolution approving "The Manager Plan of Municipal Government. On April 26th, [[CARR, Ossian\|Ossian CARR]] became the first city manager. (6) An attempt to repeal the manager form failed in 1934. In 1967 a bill passed in the Iowa Legislature allowed council-manager cities to enlarge their councils from five to seven members. Four of the council representatives were to be elected from wards and two council members and the mayor were to be elected at-large. Councilman Eldon Pfohl favored the changes especially making the mayor's position a full-time job. A petition he circulated asking for a referendum on a change to wards, he noted, was not to get rid of the council manager but to elect a full-time mayor. (7)

	~~In 1981 the voters of Dubuque decided to change the form of government to a ward system.~~ The ~~action precipitating this decision involved the choice of Sister [[FARRELL, Carolyn\|Carolyn FARRELL]] as mayor. At the time,~~ the ~~entire~~ council ~~was elected~~ at-large. The council ~~chose the mayor~~. In 1980 [[BRADY, James\|James BRADY]] believed his seniority entitled him to be mayor. The council, however, chose ~~Farrell~~, the first female council member and the top vote-getter. That resulted in a petition drive and referendum that created the ward system. (7)		The city in 1980 was using the council-manager-at-large system of government. The mayor was selected from among the council members. In 1980 [[BRADY, James\|James BRADY]] believed his seniority entitled him to be mayor. The council, however, chose Sister [[FARRELL, Carolyn\|Carolyn FARRELL]], the first female council member and the top vote-getter. That resulted in a petition drive and referendum that created the ward system. (8) James Brady becae the first mayor elected by voters in Dubuque in 1981 and the first mayor chosen by popular vote since 1918. Six new council members were also elected. (9)

	In April, 1981 the city council began studying three different plans for creating wards. Two of the plans emphasized neighborhood boundaries. The third attempted to include broad demographics in each of the four wards. Under the new system, seven people would serve on the council. Four would be elected from wards representing their district's interests as well as general city concerns. Elected at-large would be two members and a mayor. All three plans attempted to match populations in the four areas with none having less than 23.5 percent and none with more than 26.7 percent. (8)		In April, 1981 the city council began studying three different plans for creating wards. Two of the plans emphasized neighborhood boundaries. The third attempted to include broad demographics in each of the four wards. Under the new system, seven people would serve on the council. Four would be elected from wards representing their district's interests as well as general city concerns. Elected at-large would be two members and a mayor. All three plans attempted to match populations in the four areas with none having less than 23.5 percent and none with more than 26.7 percent. (10)

	To facilitate the introduction of the ward system in 1980, special arrangements were made for the first council. For the first term, the winners of the 1st and 3rd wards, mayor and the highest vote getter of the two at-large council positions were elected for four years. Two-year terms were awarded to the representatives of the 2nd and 3rd wards and the second-highest vote getter from the at-large contest. After the first election, all winning candidates would be elected to serve four years.		To facilitate the introduction of the ward system in 1980, special arrangements were made for the first council. For the first term, the winners of the 1st and 3rd wards, mayor and the highest vote getter of the two at-large council positions were elected for four years. Two-year terms were awarded to the representatives of the 2nd and 3rd wards and the second-highest vote getter from the at-large contest. After the first election, all winning candidates would be elected to serve four years.
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	The Fourth Ward with 60 percent of Dubuque's industrial value has contained 40 percent of the commercial property valuation. In August 1991 the City Council adopted new ward boundaries. While the number of wards remained the same, the boundaries were slightly shifted to create areas approximately equal in population.		The Fourth Ward with 60 percent of Dubuque's industrial value has contained 40 percent of the commercial property valuation. In August 1991 the City Council adopted new ward boundaries. While the number of wards remained the same, the boundaries were slightly shifted to create areas approximately equal in population.

	In 1987 voters in Dubuque were set to cut from five to two, the field of candidates for an at-large seat on the city council. At the same time, the number of candidates from wards had been few resulting in little choice for voters. This indicated less interest in the ward elections than at-large seats. An editorial in the ''Telegraph Herald'' suggested dropping the ward system and electing all council members on an at-large basis. (9)		In 1987 voters in Dubuque were set to cut from five to two, the field of candidates for an at-large seat on the city council. At the same time, the number of candidates from wards had been few resulting in little choice for voters. This indicated less interest in the ward elections than at-large seats. An editorial in the ''Telegraph Herald'' suggested dropping the ward system and electing all council members on an at-large basis. (11)

	John Klauer blamed the public and press scrutiny of potential council members and the time commitment of the office. Ward council representatives reported receiving up to 40 phone calls each week--many more than at-large representatives. Proponents of the ward system were convinced that the ward system prevented the council from coming under the control of powerful elites. Despite the concern, there was no interest in changing the form of government. (10)		John Klauer blamed the public and press scrutiny of potential council members and the time commitment of the office. Ward council representatives reported receiving up to 40 phone calls each week--many more than at-large representatives. Proponents of the ward system were convinced that the ward system prevented the council from coming under the control of powerful elites. Despite the concern, there was no interest in changing the form of government. (12)

	In 1990 the ''Telegraph Herald'' editorial writers again called for a change in government. Citing the results of the previous election, only one council member had an opponent. By electing council members at-large, the editorial writers suggested voters could elect candidates without regard to their home address. (10) Observers of the ''Telegraph Herald'' would find their opposition to the ward system as early as 1984 when it editorialized on the "log-rolling" being done by one councilman. In placing his ward's interests above the city's, a councilman refused to approve repairing Kennedy Road before Rockdale Road was improved. The editorial noted former mayor [[AUSTIN, Ruben V.\|Ruben V. AUSTIN]] observation that at-large government officials had to "appeal...to a broad cross-section of our community to get elected." (12)		In 1990 the ''Telegraph Herald'' editorial writers again called for a change in government. Citing the results of the previous election, only one council member had an opponent. By electing council members at-large, the editorial writers suggested voters could elect candidates without regard to their home address. (13) Observers of the ''Telegraph Herald'' would find their opposition to the ward system as early as 1984 when it editorialized on the "log-rolling" being done by one councilman. In placing his ward's interests above the city's, a councilman refused to approve repairing Kennedy Road before Rockdale Road was improved. The editorial noted former mayor [[AUSTIN, Ruben V.\|Ruben V. AUSTIN]] observation that at-large government officials had to "appeal...to a broad cross-section of our community to get elected." (14)

			The [[IOWA TRUST SCANDAL]] led to a short-lived petition drive in 1992 to end the council-manager-ward system of government. Leaders of the drive, however, stopped their efforts after being advised their efforts might make it difficult to fill the manager's position after the resignation of [[GEARHART, Kenneth\|Kenneth GEARHART]]. Change was further complicated by the hiring of [[VAN MILLIGEN, Michael\|Michael VAN MILLIGEN]]. Forcing a referendum required at least twenty-five percent of eligible voters who voted in the last city election signing a petition. The city council then had to schedule a special election within sixty days. (15)


	~~---~~

	~~Source:~~

	--		--
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	5. "The Virtuous Plan," ''Dubuque Herald'', February 23, 1914, p. 4		5. "The Virtuous Plan," ''Dubuque Herald'', February 23, 1914, p. 4

	6. "Ward System for Dubuque?" ''Telegraph Herald'', July 7, 1967, p. 1		6. "Change in Blowing in the Wind," Telegraph Herald, December 6, 1992, p. 11

			7. "Ward System for Dubuque?" ''Telegraph Herald'', July 7, 1967, p. 1

			8. "Farrell Learned Much as Mayor," ''Telegraph Herald'', August 26, 1991, p. 1

			9. "Change in Blowing in the Wind..."

	7. "~~Farrell Learned Much as Mayor~~," ''Telegraph Herald'', ~~August 26~~, ~~1991~~, p. 1		10. Hendricks, Mike. "City Council Offered 3 Ward Plans," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 30, 1981, p. 1

	~~8. Hendricks, Mike~~. "~~City Council Offered 3~~ Ward ~~Plans,~~" ''Telegraph Herald''~~, April~~ 30, ~~1981~~, p. 1		11. "Drop Dubuque Ward System?" ''Telegraph Herald,'' September 30, 1987, p. 4

	9. "~~Drop Dubuque~~ Ward System?" ''~~Telegraph~~ Herald,'' ~~September 30~~, ~~1987~~, p. 4		12. Kirchen, Rich. "Does City's Ward System Work?" ''Telegraphy Herald'', May 9, 1988, p. 3

	~~10. Kirchen, Rich~~. "~~Does City's~~ Ward System ~~Work?~~" ~~''Telegraphy~~ Herald'', ~~May 9~~, ~~1988~~, p. 3		13. "Abolish the Ward System," Telegraph Herald, November 5, 1990, p. 3

	11. "~~Abolish the Ward System~~," Telegraph Herald, ~~November 5~~, ~~1990~~, p. 3		14. "City Held Hostage," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 22, 1984, p. 4

	12. "~~City Held Hostage,~~" ~~''Telegraph Herald'', January 22, 1984, p. 4~~		15. "Change in Blowing in the Wind..."


	[[Category: City Government]]		[[Category: City Government]]

Randylyon at 01:35, 15 June 2017

2017-06-15T01:35:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:35, 15 June 2017
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	John Klauer blamed the public and press scrutiny of potential council members and the time commitment of the office. Ward council representatives reported receiving up to 40 phone calls each week--many more than at-large representatives. Proponents of the ward system were convinced that the ward system prevented the council from coming under the control of powerful elites. Despite the concern, there was no interest in changing the form of government. (10)		John Klauer blamed the public and press scrutiny of potential council members and the time commitment of the office. Ward council representatives reported receiving up to 40 phone calls each week--many more than at-large representatives. Proponents of the ward system were convinced that the ward system prevented the council from coming under the control of powerful elites. Despite the concern, there was no interest in changing the form of government. (10)

	In 1990 the ''Telegraph Herald'' editorial writers again called for a change in government. Citing the results of the previous election, only one council member had an opponent. By electing council members at-large, the editorial writers suggested voters could elect candidates without regard to their home address. (10) Observers of the ''Telegraph Herald'' would find their opposition to the ward system as early as 1984 when it editorialized on the "log-rolling" being done by one councilman. In placing his ward's interests above the city's, a councilman refused to approve repairing Kennedy Road before Rockdale Road was improved. The editorial noted former mayor [[AUSTIN, Ruben\|Ruben AUSTIN]] observation that at-large government officials had to "appeal...to a broad cross-section of our community to get elected." (12)		In 1990 the ''Telegraph Herald'' editorial writers again called for a change in government. Citing the results of the previous election, only one council member had an opponent. By electing council members at-large, the editorial writers suggested voters could elect candidates without regard to their home address. (10) Observers of the ''Telegraph Herald'' would find their opposition to the ward system as early as 1984 when it editorialized on the "log-rolling" being done by one councilman. In placing his ward's interests above the city's, a councilman refused to approve repairing Kennedy Road before Rockdale Road was improved. The editorial noted former mayor [[AUSTIN, Ruben V.\|Ruben V. AUSTIN]] observation that at-large government officials had to "appeal...to a broad cross-section of our community to get elected." (12)

Randylyon at 01:35, 15 June 2017

2017-06-15T01:35:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:35, 15 June 2017
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	Dubuque autonomy was restricted in 1897 when the Legislature stated that Dubuque could not continue its strict ward system. The state mandated no more than five alderman, two at-large council members, and an at-large elected mayor.		Dubuque autonomy was restricted in 1897 when the Legislature stated that Dubuque could not continue its strict ward system. The state mandated no more than five alderman, two at-large council members, and an at-large elected mayor.

	The legislative system mandated in 1897 lasted until April 1920. During that time, efforts were still made to change local government. In 1912 the Committee on Legislation of the [[DUBUQUE INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION]] proposed retaining the ward system with the following recommendations: (3)		The legislative system mandated in 1897 lasted until April 1920. During that time, efforts were still made to change local government. The commission form of government in place in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Sioux City. seemed to be popular. A straw ballot of sixty-seven members of the Des Moines Trades & Labor Congress showed that sixty-five were unwilling to return to the ward system. (3)

			In 1912 the Committee on Legislation of the [[DUBUQUE INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION]] proposed retaining the ward system with the following recommendations: (4)

	1. retain special charter		1. retain special charter
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	and sidewalk inspector		and sidewalk inspector

	In 1914 consideration was given to the ~~departmental system~~ of government as practiced in Des Moines. In an editorial published by the Dubuque Herald, the writers pointed out that the mayor lacked a veto, a power which the mayor of Dubuque possessed. While the ~~departmental system~~ had some virtues, according to the editorial, this lack of veto made it a bad alternative. (4)		In 1914 consideration was given to the commission of government as practiced in Des Moines. In an editorial published by the ''Dubuque Herald'', the writers pointed out that the mayor lacked a veto, a power which the mayor of Dubuque possessed. While the commission form had some virtues, according to the editorial, this lack of veto made it a bad alternative. (5)

	In 1920 Dubuque adopted of the manager form. An attempt to repeal the manager form failed in 1934.		In 1920 Dubuque adopted of the council-manager form. An attempt to repeal the manager form failed in 1934. In 1967 a bill passed in the Iowa Legislature allowed council-manager cities to enlarge their councils from five to seven members. Four of the council representatives were to be elected from wards and two council members and the mayor were to be elected at-large. Councilman Eldon Pfohl favored the changes especially making the mayor's position a full-time job. A petition he circulated asking for a referendum on a change to wards, he noted, was not to get rid of the council manager but to elect a full-time mayor. (6)

			In 1981 the voters of Dubuque decided to change the form of government to a ward system. The action precipitating this decision involved the choice of Sister [[FARRELL, Carolyn\|Carolyn FARRELL]] as mayor. At the time, the entire council was elected at-large. The council chose the mayor. In 1980 [[BRADY, James\|James BRADY]] believed his seniority entitled him to be mayor. The council, however, chose Farrell, the first female council member and the top vote-getter. That resulted in a petition drive and referendum that created the ward system. (7)

			In April, 1981 the city council began studying three different plans for creating wards. Two of the plans emphasized neighborhood boundaries. The third attempted to include broad demographics in each of the four wards. Under the new system, seven people would serve on the council. Four would be elected from wards representing their district's interests as well as general city concerns. Elected at-large would be two members and a mayor. All three plans attempted to match populations in the four areas with none having less than 23.5 percent and none with more than 26.7 percent. (8)

	To facilitate the introduction of the ward system in 1980, special arrangements were made for the first council. For the first term, the winners of the 1st and 3rd wards, mayor and the highest vote getter of the two at-large council positions were elected for four years. Two-year terms were awarded to the representatives of the 2nd and 3rd wards and the second-highest vote getter from the at-large contest. After the first election, all winning candidates would be elected to serve four years.		To facilitate the introduction of the ward system in 1980, special arrangements were made for the first council. For the first term, the winners of the 1st and 3rd wards, mayor and the highest vote getter of the two at-large council positions were elected for four years. Two-year terms were awarded to the representatives of the 2nd and 3rd wards and the second-highest vote getter from the at-large contest. After the first election, all winning candidates would be elected to serve four years.
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	The Fourth Ward with 60 percent of Dubuque's industrial value has contained 40 percent of the commercial property valuation. In August 1991 the City Council adopted new ward boundaries. While the number of wards remained the same, the boundaries were slightly shifted to create areas approximately equal in population.		The Fourth Ward with 60 percent of Dubuque's industrial value has contained 40 percent of the commercial property valuation. In August 1991 the City Council adopted new ward boundaries. While the number of wards remained the same, the boundaries were slightly shifted to create areas approximately equal in population.

			In 1987 voters in Dubuque were set to cut from five to two, the field of candidates for an at-large seat on the city council. At the same time, the number of candidates from wards had been few resulting in little choice for voters. This indicated less interest in the ward elections than at-large seats. An editorial in the ''Telegraph Herald'' suggested dropping the ward system and electing all council members on an at-large basis. (9)

			John Klauer blamed the public and press scrutiny of potential council members and the time commitment of the office. Ward council representatives reported receiving up to 40 phone calls each week--many more than at-large representatives. Proponents of the ward system were convinced that the ward system prevented the council from coming under the control of powerful elites. Despite the concern, there was no interest in changing the form of government. (10)

			In 1990 the ''Telegraph Herald'' editorial writers again called for a change in government. Citing the results of the previous election, only one council member had an opponent. By electing council members at-large, the editorial writers suggested voters could elect candidates without regard to their home address. (10) Observers of the ''Telegraph Herald'' would find their opposition to the ward system as early as 1984 when it editorialized on the "log-rolling" being done by one councilman. In placing his ward's interests above the city's, a councilman refused to approve repairing Kennedy Road before Rockdale Road was improved. The editorial noted former mayor [[AUSTIN, Ruben\|Ruben AUSTIN]] observation that at-large government officials had to "appeal...to a broad cross-section of our community to get elected." (12)



	---		---
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	2. Oldt, Franklin T. '''The History of Dubuque County, Iowa'''. Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1880, Online: http://books.google.com/books?id=u9xDAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA464&lpg=PA464&dq=Burton%27s+Furnace+%28dubuque+history%29&source=bl&ots=0CkCGLFR0v&sig=a0Ou1vN3ew6nQUYoq2aOJsXF9Mg&hl=en&sa=X&ei=j3HVT5XALaP42QXVp9iFDw&ved=0CGgQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Burton%27s%20Furnace%20%28dubuque%20history%29&f=false (p. 523)		2. Oldt, Franklin T. '''The History of Dubuque County, Iowa'''. Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1880, Online: http://books.google.com/books?id=u9xDAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA464&lpg=PA464&dq=Burton%27s+Furnace+%28dubuque+history%29&source=bl&ots=0CkCGLFR0v&sig=a0Ou1vN3ew6nQUYoq2aOJsXF9Mg&hl=en&sa=X&ei=j3HVT5XALaP42QXVp9iFDw&ved=0CGgQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Burton%27s%20Furnace%20%28dubuque%20history%29&f=false (p. 523)

	3. "Our City Government," ''Dubuque Telegraph Herald'', March 28, 1912, p. 4		3. "Virtue in the Plan," ''Telegraph-Herald'', January 3, 1911, p. 8

			4. "Our City Government," ''Dubuque Telegraph Herald'', March 28, 1912, p. 4

			5. "The Virtuous Plan," ''Dubuque Herald'', February 23, 1914, p. 4

			6. "Ward System for Dubuque?" ''Telegraph Herald'', July 7, 1967, p. 1

			7. "Farrell Learned Much as Mayor," ''Telegraph Herald'', August 26, 1991, p. 1

			8. Hendricks, Mike. "City Council Offered 3 Ward Plans," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 30, 1981, p. 1

			9. "Drop Dubuque Ward System?" ''Telegraph Herald,'' September 30, 1987, p. 4

			10. Kirchen, Rich. "Does City's Ward System Work?" ''Telegraphy Herald'', May 9, 1988, p. 3

			11. "Abolish the Ward System," Telegraph Herald, November 5, 1990, p. 3

	4. "~~The Virtuous Plan~~," ''~~Dubuque~~ Herald'', ~~February 23~~, ~~1914~~, p. 4		12. "City Held Hostage," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 22, 1984, p. 4


	[[Category: City Government]]		[[Category: City Government]]

Randylyon at 18:22, 14 June 2017

2017-06-14T18:22:57Z

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[Image:imp113.jpg|left|thumb|350px|Map prepared by City Engineer Kenneth J. Cullen in 1959. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]WARD SYSTEM. System of local government. Dubuque residents voted to adopt the ward system of government on June 3, 1980. Proponents of changing the city form of government were led by [[KLAUER, John P.|John P. KLAUER]] and the Committee for Civic Responsibility.
+[[Image:imp113.jpg|left|thumb|350px|Map prepared by City Engineer Kenneth J. Cullen in 1959. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]WARD SYSTEM. Dubuque residents voted to adopt the ward system of government on June 3, 1980. Proponents of changing the city form of government were led by [[KLAUER, John P.|John P. KLAUER]], president of the Committee for Civic Responsibility. Klauer and his organization pointed to the fact that petitions in the 1960s had failed to block [[URBAN RENEWAL]] or the recent closing of a fire station. It was also their opinion that the direct election of the mayor would remove the influence of the city council which had been choosing the mayor. (1)
 The election result came as a shock to the city council that, elected at-large, had chosen their [[MAYOR]] annually. The change meant that city voters would elect their own mayor to a four-year term. The City of Dubuque would be divided into four wards with one member elected to the council from each. Two council members would be elected at-large. For Dubuque, the election meant a return to a form of government it had known until 1920. The change in that year to the manager plan had been in response to those who felt such a plan would save money and make government operate efficiently like a business.
@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 Municipal government came to Dubuque in 1837. In late 1836 the Wisconsin territorial legislature, which governed Dubuque, decided to allow [[MINING]] settlements with over three hundred inhabitants to incorporate as cities. This allowed such communities to legally regulate commerce and administer justice. In the spring of 1837 white males over twenty-one years of age living in Dubuque voted to incorporate and establish a board of trustees to govern. The board was comprised of five men elected at-large with one appointed by the trustees to serve as president.
-This form of government lasted until 1841. Recommended by the citizens of Dubuque through the Board of Trustees and approved by the Territorial Legislature, a city charter for the City of Dubuque was adopted by the city by popular vote on March 1, 1841. It provided for the election of a mayor and six aldermen two elected from each of Dubuque's three wards to comprise a city council and gave to that group the usual powers needed for the establishment and maintenance of city government. (1) The mayor, the administrative leader, voted only to break ties.
+This form of government lasted until 1841. Recommended by the citizens of Dubuque through the Board of Trustees and approved by the Territorial Legislature, a city charter for the City of Dubuque was adopted by the city by popular vote on March 1, 1841. It provided for the election of a mayor and six aldermen two elected from each of Dubuque's three wards to comprise a city council and gave to that group the usual powers needed for the establishment and maintenance of city government. (2) The mayor, the administrative leader, voted only to break ties.
 Dubuque's form of government was provided by a special city charter granted by the State of Iowa in 1857. Dubuque became one of only forty cities to possess such a charter since no other special charters were issued. The number of alderman increased to ten and occasionally eleven. The number of wards rose to five.
@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 Dubuque autonomy was restricted in 1897 when the Legislature stated that Dubuque could not continue its strict ward system. The state mandated no more than five alderman, two at-large council members, and an at-large elected mayor.
-The legislative system mandated in 1897 lasted until April 1920, with the adoption of the manager form. An attempt to repeal the manager form failed in 1934.
+The legislative system mandated in 1897 lasted until April 1920. During that time, efforts were still made to change local government. In 1912 the Committee on Legislation of the [[DUBUQUE INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION]] proposed retaining the ward system with the following recommendations: (3)
 To facilitate the introduction of the ward system in 1980, special arrangements were made for the first council. For the first term, the winners of the 1st and 3rd wards, mayor and the highest vote getter of the two at-large council positions were elected for four years. Two-year terms were awarded to the representatives of the 2nd and 3rd wards and the second-highest vote getter from the at-large contest. After the first election, all winning candidates would be elected to serve four years.
@@ Line 47: / Line 64: @@
 Source:
-. Oldt, Franklin T. '''The History of Dubuque County, Iowa'''. Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1880, Online: http://books.google.com/books?id=u9xDAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA464&lpg=PA464&dq=Burton%27s+Furnace+%28dubuque+history%29&source=bl&ots=0CkCGLFR0v&sig=a0Ou1vN3ew6nQUYoq2aOJsXF9Mg&hl=en&sa=X&ei=j3HVT5XALaP42QXVp9iFDw&ved=0CGgQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Burton%27s%20Furnace%20%28dubuque%20history%29&f=false (p. 523)
+. Freund, Bob. "Many Had Signed to Change Council, But Few Attend Referendum Debate," ''Telegraph Herald'', June 2, 1980, p. 19
 [[Category: City Government]]

Randylyon at 21:56, 11 January 2015

2015-01-11T21:56:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:56, 11 January 2015
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	Municipal government came to Dubuque in 1837. In late 1836 the Wisconsin territorial legislature, which governed Dubuque, decided to allow [[MINING]] settlements with over three hundred inhabitants to incorporate as cities. This allowed such communities to legally regulate commerce and administer justice. In the spring of 1837 white males over twenty-one years of age living in Dubuque voted to incorporate and establish a board of trustees to govern. The board was comprised of five men elected at-large with one appointed by the trustees to serve as president.		Municipal government came to Dubuque in 1837. In late 1836 the Wisconsin territorial legislature, which governed Dubuque, decided to allow [[MINING]] settlements with over three hundred inhabitants to incorporate as cities. This allowed such communities to legally regulate commerce and administer justice. In the spring of 1837 white males over twenty-one years of age living in Dubuque voted to incorporate and establish a board of trustees to govern. The board was comprised of five men elected at-large with one appointed by the trustees to serve as president.

	This form of government lasted until ~~1840 when~~ Dubuque ~~received its first~~ charter ~~from~~ the ~~territorial legislature~~ of ~~Iowa~~. ~~The city government became~~ a mayor and six ~~alderman,~~ two elected from each of Dubuque's three wards. The mayor, the administrative leader, voted only to break ties.		This form of government lasted until 1841. Recommended by the citizens of Dubuque through the Board of Trustees and approved by the Territorial Legislature, a city charter for the City of Dubuque was adopted by the city by popular vote on March 1, 1841. It provided for the election of a mayor and six aldermen two elected from each of Dubuque's three wards to comprise a city council and gave to that group the usual powers needed for the establishment and maintenance of city government. (1) The mayor, the administrative leader, voted only to break ties.

	Dubuque's form of government was provided by a special city charter granted by the State of Iowa in 1857. Dubuque became one of only forty cities to possess such a charter since no other special charters were issued. The number of alderman increased to ten and occasionally eleven. The number of wards rose to five.		Dubuque's form of government was provided by a special city charter granted by the State of Iowa in 1857. Dubuque became one of only forty cities to possess such a charter since no other special charters were issued. The number of alderman increased to ten and occasionally eleven. The number of wards rose to five.
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	The Fourth Ward with 60 percent of Dubuque's industrial value has contained 40 percent of the commercial property valuation. In August 1991 the City Council adopted new ward boundaries. While the number of wards remained the same, the boundaries were slightly shifted to create areas approximately equal in population.		The Fourth Ward with 60 percent of Dubuque's industrial value has contained 40 percent of the commercial property valuation. In August 1991 the City Council adopted new ward boundaries. While the number of wards remained the same, the boundaries were slightly shifted to create areas approximately equal in population.

			---

			Source:

			--

			Source:

			1. Oldt, Franklin T. '''The History of Dubuque County, Iowa'''. Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1880, Online: http://books.google.com/books?id=u9xDAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA464&lpg=PA464&dq=Burton%27s+Furnace+%28dubuque+history%29&source=bl&ots=0CkCGLFR0v&sig=a0Ou1vN3ew6nQUYoq2aOJsXF9Mg&hl=en&sa=X&ei=j3HVT5XALaP42QXVp9iFDw&ved=0CGgQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Burton%27s%20Furnace%20%28dubuque%20history%29&f=false (p. 523)
	[[Category: City Government]]		[[Category: City Government]]