Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1911-12-08

NOR says, 1t will do tonight
Mayor-elect Smith today had the
following to say on the subject:
Rates for power and lights in
Grants Pass are too high. Ashland,
Gold Hill and Central Point enjoy
cheaper rates than does this city. The
Medford rate is about the same rs
ours. am opposed to the granting
OF franchise to- the Rogue River
Electric company at this time. and
none should be granted unless better
terms are given the city. Unless
cheaper rates are given to the people
why should a franchise be granted at
all? The company is here and doing
business and needs no franchise,
from the viewpoint of the people"
Mr.. Smith was attorney for the
Rogue River Electric company when
ii. was controlled by the Rays, and is
familiar with all details of the cor
poration's affairs. This knowledge
especially equips him for combating
further aggressions by the corpora
tion. 1t was stated last night by a
resident Of the city that ''the COM
pany is afraid of Bob Smith" and is
anxious to force through a franchise
before the new administration takes
office.
Mayor-elect Smith last night, IN
discussing the matter in an informal
way with a group Of residents, at
which Councilman Stricken was pres
ent, turned to DR.. Stricken and said:
IF that franchise is presented hope
that the council will refuse to grant
it." DR.. Stricken, in smiling man
ner, said-nothing.
While neither perpetual nor ex-
elusive franchise can be granted by
any city council in Oregon, yet
granting franchise to the local
company at all, will, 1t is argued in
some quarters, have a tendency to
discourage any other corporation
which might want to come into the
city and furnishh power and light,
and "they do say" that such corpora
tion exists which intends to get In
the game.
Views Of Councilmen.
The Courier interviewed the pres
ent city administration and secured
expressions from the mayor and
from all the councilmen regarding
granting franchise, except Huggins
and South, who are out of town. The
city officials expressed themselves as
follows:
Mayor Myers do not care to dis
cuss the matter at this time, or until
1t comes up and | have had further
time to look into 1t. / expect to act
for the best interests of the city.
Councilman Phillips-Rates for
lighting and power in this city are
too high. | am not In favor Of
granting a franchise to the Rogue
River Electric company at this time.
Other towns in the valley are getting
cheaper rates than are furnished to
US here. l will not vote to grant
franchise until have more time to
investigate the matter.
Councilman Wolfersberger-I am
not in favor Of granting the Rogue
River Electric company franchise
carrying the rates for lighting and
power as they are now. The rates are
too high. might favor franchise
in the future II the company makes
proper concessions to the city.
Councilman Stricker.--I would
rather look into the matter further
and see what the company wants be-
fore making any statement.
Councilman DAME 'els.--l do not see
the use Of granting the Rogue River
Electric company franchise. II Is
here and selling light and power and
not being disturbed by anybody.
Councilman Herzinger. Rates for
power and lighting in this city are
too high AID something should be
done to remedy the matter. II is q
shame that the people Of the city are
compelled to pay the present rates
for both water and lights. In the
summer we are taxed to death for
water to keep a little lawn alive. then
when the winter rains come We are
taxed to death for lights. We are
having the life sspped out Of us by
so much money being taken from
the people here and sent away. Re
garding the granting Of franchise, !
do not care TO commit myself until I
have had an opportunity TO look fur
ther into the matter.
Councilman Sauer.--t am I'm favor