“Local federalism would reverse the legal doctrine of the past half century. Instead of residual powers of government being vested in the states, with the cities receiving crumbs from their table, local federalism would place the residual powers with the cities, giving the state authority necessary to enable them to provide for matters of strictly state concern. The government that is nearest to the people would be authorized to enter any field not occupied by the state by a specific declaration of intent. In its extreme form, the range of state functions might be restricted to those specifically granted by the constitution.”
Home Rule for America's Cities - 1949 - Rodney L. Mott, Part I
Home Rule for America's Cities - 1949 - Rodney L. Mott, Part II
“Effective home rule is not assured by constitutional fiat. It depends quite as much on the attitudes of judges, legislators, and the men and women of the state. It is of utmost importance, therefore, that the league of municipalities regards the adoption of a home rule clause as just the beginning of their struggle for local self-government.
“Unless the league and others support it by a constant, vigorous legislative program, and by the effective prosecution of legal disputes, home rule is likely to wither and die. A continuing campaign to enlist public support for local autonomy is particularly important. Leaders for home rule should seek the aid of civic organizations interested in improving local government. The most effective groups of this kind operate close to the people. Lasting progress in self-government thrives only in the soil of popular understanding.”