The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1905-06-10
INCREASED VALUATIONS.

INCREASED VALUATIONS.
The opinion expressed by one OF tn
largest taxpayers in Clatsop county il
another column, is based upon stron;
presumption of truth and facts, but it i
no excuse for the violation of the law
of the state by county assessors, no
only in Clatsop county, but in other o
the counties of the state. There is NJ
doubt but assessor Cornelius is as muel
interested in enforcing the laws as every
honest, law abiding citizen; it is equally
true that he represents constituency
that would no doubt he willing to have
the intent and spirit of the laws lived up
to, provided they were assured that they
would be protected in their rights 1t is
to be regretted that such condition OF
affairs exist in Clatsop county as is al.
legged by "0ne of the Victims" and facts
have demonstrated that there is good
grounds for the arguments advanced in
his communication. If what he states
is true, then it is the duty of the tax.
payers to remedy the evils complained
of.
1t might be opportune to call attention
of our correspondent to the fact. that
the tax payers of Astoria and Clatsop
county are responsible for the existing
cOnditions-if they exist as he claims
At every election held in Astoria or Clat
votes are registered there is falling of
in the vote, and nine out of ten of the
votes are registered there is falling of
in the vite, and nine out of ten of the
stay aways are the large taxpayers. II
q meeting is called to make amendments
to the city charter or suggest legislation,
the taxpayer is always conspicuous by
his absence. 1t is this apparent indiffer.
ence that has resulted in the election to
office Of many incompetent men. They
ARE no doubt honest and do the best
they can, but they lack business ability
and judgement that is an essential re.
quisite in the management of the busi-
ness affairs Of the city and county. They
permit politics to enter into the trans.
action of the business affairs, that
should be entirely eliminated.
The whole matter resolves itself down
to this proposition. 1t is admitted that
the laws relative to assessment and tax
alton are violated, and it is an enforced
violation because the taxpayers take no
interest in selecting competent men TO
administer the affairs of the citv and
county. That the fact that there il
low assessment and high tax levy miti.
gates against capitalists coming here for
location and investment. simply because
the taxpayers neglect their duty to the
government. That the fact that the af.
fairs Of the city and county are admin.
lstered with extravaganza without anv
semblance Of business pripciples or in
the interests of the business community
because taxpayers neglect to 20 to the
polls and elect competent men to Office
This relieves, TO a certain extent tbe
county assessor from any blame in not
following the intent and spirit of the
laws; presages continuation of the
present system Of extravaganza in the
business affairs Of the city and county.
ny the taxpayers remaining away from
the polls and allows the large contingent
OF non'tax-payers and non.producers 10
run the politics, and business affairs of
The city and county, in which they have
no direct interest; inducts political
bosses into the controlling power OF the
body polite, keeping capitalists and in
vestOrs away. This, according to the ex.
cuses made by zone Of the Victimso is
the primary cause Of a low valuation
and a high tax levy.
There is no doubt but the tax.payers 4;
the moral element and the business ele-
ment of Astoria are in the majority in
Astoria and Clatsop county when they
will take sufficient interest in the man.
agement Of city and county affairs to ex-
ereise a perogative that will make a
change for the better, but as long as
they remain away from the polls and al
low a class of men who are barnacles on
the body polite; who own no property,
pay no taxes, the vicious and immoral
element to nominate and elect men to Of.
fee who do not possess the requisite