Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1908-04-22
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
PASS TO NEW COUNCIL
First Meeting of New Adm mis-
tration Last Night.
Mayor Bennett Made a Speech and
Passed The Pie Out to the
Faithful.

in the mayOralty chair, started off
with an earuestness and a bust
ness-like swing last evening that
augurs we'll for the coming year.
The new mayor made a br1ef adj
dress to the council concerning his
attitude upon public affairs, in
which he said:
GENTLEMEN OF THE COUNCIL
I desire to call your attention to a few
matters before we take up the Official work
of the year.
First it is very essential that we work in
harmony. If we expect to accomplish the
best results we must be united In our eff
forts.
There may be times when our opinions
will differ. 1t is to be expected. But the
majority will rule and the minority should
all fall into line and all work together for
the best interests of the city.
money is one of the hard tasks put before
us.-Hne that will require more careful de-
liberation than all Others. We should be
more careful, If possible, than we are with
our own financial affairs.
But we must not make the mistake of too
rigid economy, or we may neglect tnat
which in the end will cost a far greater sum.
Many of the walks in the city are in very
bad condition. Some are dangerous. A
considerable amount of new work should be
put in this year, but in order TO make IL as
easy as possible on property owners the very
best Judgment should be exercised as to
what should be done at the present time.
am informed that portions of our sewer
system are in urge t need of repair. l
w uld recommend an Investigation at once
in order that proper steps may be taken TO
remedy any defects.
Former city councils desc we great credit
for what they have accomplished in giving
us a splendid water works system and the
foundation of a good sewerage system But
extensions are needed. Some parts OF the
city are without fire protection. An effort
should be made to as soon as possible eX-
tend the water mains 10 the unprotected
districts.
Upon consultation with the city attorney
haVeho poifce covers Whatever, [ would
therefore ret ommend that an ordinance be
prepar and passed which will make him
night marshal and member of the police
force. l consider this very important
In conclusion will say that the Statutes
powers and duties, and / shall be careful
not to uSurp the functions cf otner city Oh
icerS or of the council
In cities of this class the mayor is the
chief executive officer and the head of the
police and fire departments 1t is his duty
to see that the laws or the state ana the
ord ct are oos s tge t ana 6 EN-
charge their eSpective duties. from tire
to time he Should give the council SUCH in
formation and recommend such measures
as e may deem advantageous to the city.
When present he pres, deS at meetings OF
the council. He signs all agreements, con
council and approves or otherwise acts
upon, all claims all wed by 1t.
ne appoints all policemen and may. in
CO Sc of emergency, appoint as many as may
be nece sary He also has the veto power
Should he refuse TO approve any ordinance
rule. regulation, claim or resolution APP
liability he must lille with the city clerk his
objections IN writing, within five DAYS after
such ordinance. rule. regulation, liam or
resolution is submitted to him for approval:
such objections 10 be presented to the
council at its next meeting. II upon The
return of such veto-meSsage three-tourths
of all the members CT the council shall vote
for the passage Of such ordinance, rule
regulation. claim or resolution, the san is
to be considered legally passed, notwlth-
standing Surh objections
The mayor has no vote except in case ~
tie and is not to be counted In forming
quorum The mayor is, in short the exc eo
council is its legislature. and my effort shall
be fill the office without in any respect
treSpaSSing upon the rights OF the leglSla-
tive branch of our city government.
This being received with evident
approval by the council and the Wis
itors present, Hizzouner proceeded
to take shake at the municipal
plum tree, bringing down several
good juicy plums IN the way OF
official appointments and COM
mittee assignments
The first to drop was the city
marshalship. This Office has been
we'll filled during the past two years
by Dustin Pierce, but he intends
going west soon and the appoint
ment was given by Mayor Bennett
to Geo. Mccarthy, practical
mechanic and a man in every way
qualified for the position.
David Schreiner, a one-armed
veteran, whose ability nobody
would question, was appointed city
clerk to succeed John Stone.
Geo. B. Clementson, who has cap
ably filled the Office of city attorney
during the past two years, was re-
appointed to the same position.
DR.. W. II. VanDusen will be the
new city health officer and Will be a
good one.
In the way Of aldermanic COM
mittees the mayor announced the
following appointments:
Board Of Public Works-Alder-
men Barnett, Fischer and Bryhan,
Finance-Abrams, Eastman and
Treloar.
Bylaws and Ordinance-East-
man, Henkel and Fischer.
Business-Knox, Abrams and Bar
nette.
The matter of selecting a night
Waterman, street commissioner,
city weigh master and superinten-
ent of water works is in the hands
of the council, and decisions had
not been arrived at when The
Herald went to press last night,
but the wig-wag signals seem to
indicate that Mr.. Stevens will I'M