Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1902-07-03
THE BONDING PROPOSITION.

On July 3lst, the voters of Aberdeen
will be called upon to decide the ques-
ton OF adding 100000 to the bonded in
debtedness of the city. The election is
to authorize the council to issue bonds
in the sum of $780, 900. SAC, 900 Of which
is to refund present outstanding debt.
The balance will represent a new debt,
divided equally between three PROPOSE
tons, viz, a sewer system. improvements
to the water plant and bridge across
the Chehalis river to South Aberdeen.
1t is unfortunate that the election is
called in such a manner as to compel a
yea or nay vote upon all four PROPOSE
tions. 1t is estimated that a saving OF
$1,000 will be effected by refunding the
$4,000, and, standing by itself, this
would carry without opposition.
The other schemes are too indefinite
to commend themselves to the permen-
ant taxpayers, whose holdings will be
mortaged by the new debt. None dis
pute the necessity for proper system
of sewage, and a better water supply,
and but few would oppose 600 for a
bridge to connect the main city with its
bustling suburb, South Aberdeen, but
as said above, the propositions are too
indefinite.
Take up the subjects separately; The
water scheme as outlined in the ordin-
ance allows 800 for the purchase OF
lands and water rights, and $4,000 for
improving the mains, etc. The other
two give the lump sums of 10000, to
each, for the building of a sewer system
and the bridge. There is nothing that
voter can hinge belief upon that this
money will be expended wisely. In this
statement the HERALD makes no refl,c
ton upon the city council. In the judy
ment OF the writer the present council
is an improvement, in general tone over
many OF its predecessors, but, all public
money that is expended to the detriment
of the taxpayers is not done dishon-
estly. Unwise expenditure OF the COM
mon funds costs the ratepayer just as
much as though it were stolen.
If the council had plan outlined for
the water works extension, and an OPP
ton on such lands and easments as were
? required. the voter would know what
was to be done with the money, and
could express his convictions at the polls
intelligently.
AS to the sewer system, the same may
be said. 1t is not expected that men,
beers OF the city council are sanitary en-
gineers, and the doubt is freely express.
ed of the city being in danger of repeat
ing the experience of Montesano, which
city few years ago sunk $4,000 into
the ground into useless sewer system.
The city we believe, will readily vote
$40 900 for the inauguration OF a proper
sewer system, but the voter must first
be given an idea OF the plan contem.
plated.
Regarding the building OF the bridge
to South Aberdeen, we find the same de.
gree OF uncertainty that obtains as to the
other two propositions. Friends OF the
scheme claim to have figures from re-
sponsible firm offering to build it for
$4,000. To this the conservative tax.
payer replies, What's the matter with
the council advertising for bids for the
bridge, reserving the right to reject any
or all bids, and making them all con-
tingent upon their being within the
limit OF $4,000, and subject to approval
at an election to ratify the expenditures"
As the matter nov stands the people
of Aberdeen are asked to vote a blind
pool of 100000 for three objects, without
not only any knowledge of the plans to
be pursued, but OF who is to have the
management OF its disbursement. The
election is to be held on July 81, and,
should the propositions carry, it would