 He was opposed to the idea of civil service in municipal government, telling a reporter that 

Men won't work as hard when they know their jobs are secure as when they are likely to be discharged ... Oh, I know that the applicants have to pass some sort of examination, but that ... only proves they are best in that examination ... Men don't do a good day's work under civil service.They know their positions are secure, and they loaf.At the City Hall, where he was chair of the council's finance committee, he was informally known as "Uncle George."