Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1906-04-12

/
arose and gave the following inaugural
address which was closely followed by all
present:
The Mayors inaugural.
To the Members Of the Common Council
of the City of Beldng
Gentlemen:-W are now entering up
on the performance of our duties as coun-
cilmen Of the City of Belding for the new
year; and il being the desire of each Of US
TO perform our new duties in a manner
most advantageous to the city. and in a
manner to reflect credit to ourselves, il
will be necessary for us to become famil-
Jar with the provisions of the fundamental
law of the city as contained in the charter
together with the ordinances. and also
TO aQuaint ourselves with the present con-
|siiton of the city's finances in every de-
TAIL and the condition and progress of the
different municipal Improvements now be-
ing made.
We must not only learn what has been
done in the past and what is being done at
present. but also at all times look TO the
future betterment and advancement. Our
duties being new TO some of Us, we must
not act hastily at any time, but weigh
conditions carefully, ascertain what IS
best TO be done ana, when we are posi-
tive that we are right, then move fearless
Y forward.
am ncliued TO believe that Mayors and
Aldermen of cities are to apt to neglect to
study the laws governing their actions.
and desire TO impress upon you the ne
cessity of individual study and research
into all of the details of the workings Of
our municipality. Let US realize that the
burden Of maintaining and operating a
great institution falls upon us few officers
oy reason of the trust reposed in US by
our neighbors and fellow citizens. Let US
feel keenly this responsibility and give 1t
the same attention that we do our ndlvld
ual and private concerns.
We must bear in mind at all times that
no matter what we do, we shall have op-
position: that no matter how we act, there
will be criticism; that no matter what new
project is presented. there are always
those for and against. But let us remem-
Der. at all times. that it we act solely IN
absolute good faith upon our own best
Judgement free from any and all outside
influence, that there will be less criticism
and we will have at least the satisfaction
Of knowing that we have acted like men.
fearlessly and conscientiously. In per-
fol ming our duties we are towards II we
fear any man or class of men.
The large public debt which we face at
the very outset dem ands much thought
on our parts and careful action. So let
US, from the first. have in mind at all
times this condition of financial affairs,
and every move that we make let US have
in mind the reduction Of this embarrassing
Indebtedness. There are works Of neces-
sty which must be done; but we can
AVOID all extravaganza.
Sewerage is in the process Of construc-
ton We cannot turn back but must
carry out this work TO the letter until fin
ally completed. ! am n favor OF more
sewerage where necessary, as we have
now reached the stage as d city, where
sewerage is no longer a luxury, but is
necessary if we wish TO provide the ordin-
airy sanitary conditions
Speaking of sanitary conditions, desire
TO add that we must attend to the alleys
and by-places and thus avoid disease as
much as possible. AS Mayor Of the city |
request that the owners and occupants Of
business places and residences see to it
that their back Yards and alleys are prop
erly cleaned All right thinking citizens
will attend to this from this suggestion,
and those who are disposed to be negll-
| gent and unsanltary must do so by order
Of the Health Officer 1t is my intention
to see that the Health Officer carries out
thsse instructions to the letter.
We should see that drunks and disor-
derlies who are arrested and spend the
night in Jail, are fined at least five dollars
and costs
would be in favor Of collecting one
dollar from each voter between the ages
of twenty-one and fifty years, as poll tax,
10 regard to saloons, think if they fur
nish good bonds Of $4,000 each with pro-
per securities, that we know are respons-
ible, that this would be protection for the
city. The city license should be raised tc
$lO0 and we should see that the law re-
lating to the selling of intoxicating liquors
is obeyed in every particular | will moi
stand for any Sunday or after hours bus
mess, and give them warning to that ef-
feet at this time.
The purchasing for the city should bt
done by purchasing committee and ar
itemzed account kept OF all purchases
and a statement of all expenditures, anc
receipts shown at all regular counci
meetings
We could use man and team to gooc
advantage in fixing our streets, and OF
fire wagons, and ! would be in favor o
! buying one horse 10 mate the one we have
or sell that and buy team.
In regard TO side walks would be il
favor of keeping in force the rebate ord
nance, but would not he in favor Of build
} ing walks only where il is absolutely nee
essarY.
Our marshal and police should see tina
we have good orGer. AID see that NJ
lounging and lettering takes place abou
public places, such as the postoffice AM
depot | shall insist that this IS carries
, out and that the marshal prevent the OBJ
struction Of ths side walks.
> do not think we need police in tn
E park, but we could appoint one, if neces
t sary, on Saturday afternoons and Sun
days.
! wou d be in favor Of making a cut j
the salaries Of the board Of electors an
S registration. and board Of review.
!, | would have the supervisors examin
, the actual property that is assessed in
stead Of taking values from their la:
years book.
e In regard TO our streets, | would kee
!. them in good condition but make no exter
: sive Improvements, such as grading {
-.