The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-03-04
PROTESTING TO THE LEclsI.A-
TURE.

The Chamber OF Commerce. after
careful consideration of the water
works commission bill, as proposed by
the city administration, has gone on
record In opposition to the measure. In
an open letter to the legislators of
Utah. before whom House Bill Nc. 156
IS awaiting action, the Chamber OF
Commerce has offered the following
reasons for opposing the measure:
Our reasons for opposing the water
commission bill arc;
FIrst---We are opposed to an ap-
pointivo commission because 1t places
them too far from the people, so that
a man appointed for six years could
not be reached be the people for that
length of time, and then only indi-
rectly.
Second-Because, having endorsed
the Des Moincs plan. this commission
would be superfluous. aud not at all
contemplated under that system. and
we are satisfied that should we fall
to get the plan at this session OF the
legislature, wo will by next.
Third-We are opposed to a COM
mission that is expected to work for
nothing. Small service can be expect
ed, from any commission that is COM
PEELED to work under $4,000 bond
and work for nothing
Fourth-Under that system tho only
persons that could afford to accept all
appointment would be the retired cap
itaIist, whose interest 1t would be to
keep the water rates high, that the
taxes on property would be lower.
Fifth-Instead of the commission
being 'non-partisan" commission. We
fear It would develop into a strictly
partisan affair. and would become the
main wheel In a very strong political
machine.
Sixth-The bill has many defects.
1t provides that the commission may
extend the water mains when the ex-
tension would pay s per cent. but does
not require that 1t shall be done. 1t
provides that meter may be placed
on the water pipes OF any consumer
by the commission, and that the ex-
pense shall be paid by the consumer.
Seyenth-We would rather trust the
city council that Is directly amenable
to the people. than to trust an appoint
I've commission that can only be re-
moved for cause" by vote of seven
out Of ten councilmen.
Eight-While we do not desire to
unnecessarily oppose our city council.
yet We believe that they are only par
ticulnrly desIrous of passing this bill
TO fulfill their pledge to the people
made at the bond election. In fact.
President Browning stated as much
before the Chamber Of Commerce. and
In this line we desire to call your at
tention TO last nights proceedings of
said council. and to the fact that they
passed resolution favoring the pass
age Of the bill. but refused to go on
record as to how many OF them had
ever as much as read the bill over, or
knew what 1t contained
The sixth paragraph In the .orego-
Ing is strong objection No conf
mission should be allowed To discrim-
mate in favor or against any person
or section of this city. The extension
OF water mains. under certain condt-
tions. should be mandatory.
In paragraph four a fear is express
ed that commission composed OF re-
tired capitalists would maintain un-
necessarily high rates.
The Chamber OF Commerce declares
for that which is the sentiment of all
the people, that they would rather
trust to those who are directly an
swerable to the people than TO a com.
mission beyond the reach OF the
people.