The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1902-03-27
That Water Franchise.

On the above subject Mr. Pitman expresses
his views very strongly in last weeks RE-
PORTER.
The subject is Of such Importance to the
citizens of Leon that we think some of the
points made by him should receive further
consideration. He Is In favor OF municipal
ownership, on the theory that we get cheaper
service. It is true that we get better rates
from municipal ownership than from indt>
Let us look at 1T in the light OF reason.
When an individual or corporation decides to
engage in any enterprise, every detail Of the
thought and time are devoted in mastering
every part of the subject and 8 definite work
ing plan adopted before work Is commenced.
Personal supervision is given to every part of
the work as IT progresses thus getting the
best possible results at the least expense.
After the tS Is n and ready
pecially fitted himself for the work and he
deyotes his entire time to make It success
every unnecessary expense. thus obtaining
the best service possible at the least expense.
biiity Of Municipal ownership the couneil
tries to meet the wants Of the people. The
members OF the council are honest, capable
TO- n s
They are busy men, and have very little time
to even think of the business of the town, and
sse oo eaa ae shay %u5s
without that time for thought and study of the
subject that is required to obtain the best
The order is made, someone perhaps know.
ing but little about the subject is employed to
do the work. he does it the best he can, fire..
When ' Il is done the expense IS from s. to 100
percent greater than it should have been and
the work not what it would have been under
and had mastered every detail Of the work.
Mr.. Pitman refers to our electric light plant
as an example of economic municipal owner
ship. cbelieve the members of our town
couL Gil have been honest men, who intended
to do right by the people but they have made
many mistakes that have been expensive to
the people-mistakes made because they had
not the time to study and learn all the details
of the business and had to act as best they
could without that knowledge and experience
of the subject they would have possessed if it
had been their daily business or work.
In operating the business for our town since
April %, 1898, to March 20, 1909, years and IL
months, our town treasurer has drawn from
the county treasurer in taxes paid by the peo-
pie the snug little sum of Sl3, 74l.52, which has
been used where needed and in addition to this
ed a debt Of Sl4, 500 which now hangs over US
as an interest bearing obligation, together
these sums amount to S25,24l.52 expended in
less than years.
We have to show for all this expenditure, an
electric light plant with water supply unsatis
factory, which cannot be sold for more than
$1,000. Do not decide from this that our cleo
trio light plant will not pay profit on fair
investment II properly operated. 1t only
shows the fallacy OF electing men to office and
imposing on them duties for which they are
not prepared and have no time to study and
understand it thoroughly during the short
time they are in office.
Now on the water system Mr.. Pitman ad-
vises all to vote against the franchise as a
wise thing to do. II this advice had been fol-
| lowed by the citizens OF our state we would
not now have railroad in the state, a street
Ecar line, a water system. an electric light
plant nor q telephone plant in any city or
town in the state except a few light plants
like ours under municipal control. We
would be living more than fifty years behind
the spirit Of the present age, fossils, dried up
and ready for the grave
| Such q theory will not do for progressive
community. We must invite the investment
| Of capital in our town il we would develop any
enterprise or accomplish any great results,
Let us now see what this water franchise is
that we are asked to vote in favor OF Mr.. Biggs.
II is only granting HIM permit or privilege to
dig ditch or trench along the. side OF the
streets. about five feet deep, and lay in them
iron pipes, then cover them up and pack the
dirt solid and keep it filled level until fully
settled, leaving the street in as good condition
as it was before the ditch was dug, and costs