Reform from within : the development of the city administrator form of government in small Missouri cities

Abstract

"This study is in the nature of an experiment. Originally, the self assigned task of the author was to survey and analyze city administrator structures in small Missouri cities. However, through attempts to explain the rather innovative phenomena, broad, fundamental questions were raised regarding the reasons for the creation of these structures. This, in tum, suggested questions concerning the political culture in Missouri. For this reason, the author has included a chapter on that very difficult subject, relying primarily on the work of Daniel J. Elazar to gain comparability, fully cognizant that the necessary empirical evidence is in short supply. Still, it is felt that no study of local government in Missouri is'satisfaaory without relating the work to the wider political culture of the state. Furthermore, although empirical evidence is not available to support all of the author's assertions, it is felt that those engaged in local government in Missouri will attest to their descriptive accurateness. The author wants to thank all of those individuals who gave so kindly of their time in interviews; their cooperation was extraordinary and, of course, crucial to the study. Also, the author's colleague, George F. Nickolaus, was extremely helpful in suggesting points of development and extending encouragement. The suggestions of Robert F. Karsch were also extremely valuable, as were the comments of Lloyd M. Wells, Arthur L. Kalleberg, and Louise Dohm. Sharon Brown, the secretary who so diligently typed the manuscript and bibliography, is also thanked far her efforts. The final responsibility for the work is, of course, the author's."--Preface.