Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1885-08-04
WOOD RIVERS RECORD.
FIXING THE BLAME.

we nave out JUST commenced our
investigation of county affairs; yet
can already see where thousands upon
thousands of dollars o. the taxpayers
money have been squandered. We
speak adv;scdly in using the word,
because it is nothing less than squan-
dering Of public moneys for Board
of Commissioners to misconduct bust
ness as the present Board has done.
Messrs. Abbott, kohlcpp and Gill
letts were, as is we'll known, elected
on the supposition that they would
conduct public affairs with all posi-
bic economy. At the time they were
nominated very strong desire for re-
form had-thanks to the much abused
but always vigilant and fearless TIMES
manifested itself in the community,
and the qualifications Of each cand,-
date for Commissioner were car assed
in the most exhaustive manner. Mr..
I.eadley had been County Commits
sioner-honest, but not much Of
busin. IS man; Mr.. Bruner, Of Sho-
shone. was little known; Mr.. Ferris,
of Arco, was capable and honest, but
had been put in nomination without
being consulted, and would 5e too
busy to give public affairs that atten-
ton which they required. M. Alb
bolt being q rancher, OF that class
which works hard for a mere living
and scarcely succeeds in earning it, it
was thought he could be safely trusted
to handle public funds economically {;
Mr.. Kohlepp seemed to be careful
business man, Of not very brilliant
ability. but of that steady, plodding
kind which eventually succeeds in &C.
quiring moderate competency by
strict economy and attention to bust
ness: Mr.. Gillette had splendid rec
ord as ex.Treasurer Of All important
city Of Iowa, and as an honorable
business man. The three last named
were therefore preferred.
Everybody then looked for re.
1renchment and ''reform." How
greatly we have been disappointed, we
all know. The county expenses are
greater than ever before greater
than under the SO -called ''riug" ad.
ADMINISTRATION; aud although the tax
levy is this year IS per 500 of valua
Ason, Or Is per cent. higher than las,
year, this will not suffice to pay cur.
rent expenses, and the debt is increas
ing at rate which causes bankruptc,
to stare US in the face.
It is evident tina. there must be
general extravaganza, ii not WORSE
somewhere. Aud in what particular
spot-what direction shall we lool
for it? We confess that we dom,
know-at present. To be sure, W.
know that the Sheriff aAd District At
torney arc getting great deal o
money out OF the county; but we als'
believe and know that it must be OBJ
tanned in a lawful way, and that, con
sequently, they are entitled to it. N,
one will have the hard,hood to alle9,
that. in their place, they would not d'
just rs they are doing, to.wt: &c
every dolls, they can deccntly ant
lawfully make. Yet they are not max
ing as much as they might, as OH man
points they might by strictly comply
ing with the law, initiate more suit.
earn more fees than they are now do
ing. They are therefore not to blame
Who is to blame? We answe,
nnhesitatingly, the County Commits
sioners; the Board wich gives out a
work, has everything done with
out any understanding as I
prices; the Board which allow
all bills without propes]y scsutinizin
them to ascertain ii the services res
dered are worth the price asked {,
them.
Rssauss Of this loose way Of doin
business, the Board Of County Con
nissioners is sinking the county
deeply into debt that it is doubtful
"a shall EVER be able to Pa
OFT!