Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1909-01-07


In another part Of my message, I
have suggested that the office Of
school fund commissioner be done
away with, thereby putting the
finances under a single head. If this
is done in any event the treasurer
should be elected for a longer term.
Taxation.
Our general system of taxation is
one of the best; comprehensive in it's
scope, equitable I'm its incidence, and
practical in its application. The stat
utOry provisions relative to local tax
alton. however. should be enforced
equally in the different towns. Tie
assessment Of property on a basis of
full value, as required. is reasonable,
businesslike and for the best interest
Of the communities. Legislation look
ing toward the enforcement of stat
utory provisions in this respect would
be definitely beneficial to all towns
not now on that basis. Further slight
amendments are needed to raise the
standard of assessed valuation by
insuring competent and experienced
assessors for a term of years with a
possible change in the date of assess
ment so that the work may be done
at the best time
The statutes relative to the poll and
military taxes should be so amended
that the assessment and collection
may be properly carried out on the
same basis all over the state All re-
ports concerning the military commit
tation taxes should be made to the tax
commissioner as a part of the work
Of that department, instead of to the
adjutant general. Instead of having
the enrolment as of January LIST ana
the polls assessed as of the previous
October 1st, the lists of both should
be made out on some convenient date
at the same time.
Such minor changes should be made
in the laws taxing public service cor
porations as viii make them more
equitable in their application and
more definite in their enforcement as
recommended by the tax commits
siOner.
The revenue Of the state can be in
creased to a considerable extent by
slight ch7Eges in the succession tax
laws which would not be burdensome
to anyone. It is also a question wheth-
er the state would not he justified in
adopting the Inheritance tax system
which is IN operation in many states
which is graded as TO benefciaries.
and progressive as TO the amount Of
collateral requests. With a. progress
i've rate of from five to fifteen per
cent. an estate from 81 900 to S10O0.-
600 in amount passing TO strangers
Of the blood, the tax receipts would
be very largely Increased by those en-
tirely able to bear the burden. with
ont injustice or hardship of any kind.
Other states are adopting such a law.
and Connecticut will undoubtedly fol-
low sooner or later
The method Of keeping public ac-
counts in many of the towns is ex-
ceedingly careless and umbusinesslike.
Of dollars have undoubte5-
ly been lost in different municipalities
by such incompetency. 7 recommend
a uniform system Of municipal ac-
counting adapted to the large and
small towns and other municipalities.
This plan should be prepared by the
state board of accountancy,. and be
carried out under the yearly supervis-
lon OF the state auditors of public ac-
counts.
The large amount Of waste or un-
productive land throughout the state
the careful consideration Of
the agricultural. forestry and taxation
departments, with proper legislation if
necessary The raising OF sheep. re-
forestration Of land. or any practical
should be considered II
any event, the matter should be per-
agitated until the proper
methods are finally determined for
making the best use of all unused land
IN the state. - that the farmer will no
longer be obliged to pay taxes on go
much unproductive property.
Assessment Lists.
There is more or less popular dis !
with the inequalities IN /
he aSsessment of real estate values. I
believe that the complaints can be |
BE very largely removed by the adop- /
ion of the practice Of publishing an |
lually the assessment list. in order |
hat all property owners may be able /
o compare the valuation of their |
with that of others in the |
community. This practice. it seems |
o me, would operate to bring about a |
more Just and uniform valuation. and |
here is little doubt that it would also
end to increase the grand lisi Of each /
community, at the same time remov- !
ng many wrong impressions relative |
o the work of the assessors. and serve |
o promote justice and equality in /
axation matters.
Public Utilities Act.
No more important matter will be /
PRESENTED for your considerationF1han |
he report of the special commissions
famed by the last general assembly TO
,repare a public utilities act The |
tate, unable conveniently to furnish
public utilities direct, has lent Of its /
powers to ever increasing classes of |
,rivate agencies that the people may
,enefit by the progress of invention |
nd of utilization of natural resources.
n regarding the high beneficial re-
uhts obtained and the splendid devel- I
pment of the corporate agencies en- |
,loyed, we must not forget that it is
he power of the whole community.
citing through these agencies. which
las produced such results and that
With the powers granted there is a
corresponding Obligation to render ade-
uate service without discrimination
nd to require therefor a compensa-
ion which will be res sonable.
TIE problem of safeguarding the /
ran. of extraordinary power has be
ONE immensely complex To select
n agency and. having selected it. to
ompel q strict observance of the terms
f the trust, these are the essentials
t the problem.
The general assembly meeting bien- |
tally cannot supervise public service
The work is admins
rative rather than legislative. The
i'll provides for a uniform system Of
Incorporation: for control of capital
zation; for definition Of territory for
peration; for regulation of eminent
oman and the right to use the pub
&C highways: for the safeguarding of
obstruction and operation: for exam
nation or financial condition ia 20 far
: may be necessary 10 maintain The
tandhrd for q similar eXaminarIo
( the physical plant and for the rsgu-
stion Of rates. An appeal 10 the courts
provided