The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1912-01-18

A. Bavis. secretary Of the Progress
sive league, which is to make q study
of local civic conditions. is out with a
vigorous protest against the announc-
ed policy of the board of public works
Of considering public service franchis-
es at private meetings. He demands
the fullest publicity ito all matters
pertaining to such public affairs.'
A similar protest has been entered
by Edwin NJ. Campfield, who wants a
gas franchise, This protest. printed
above, has been liled with the board.
Mr.. Bavis has sent the following
communication to the local newspa-
pers:
A Protest by eavis.
The Richmond Palladium:
Believing 1t possible. but very int
probable to underestimate the capaci-
ly Of the board of public works In
handling public contracts which carry
with it valuable franchise rights. the
citizens have the privilege. inspired
by financial interest in all the civic
fullest publicity be given, from its
incipiency, to all matters pertaining
to such public affairs.
The parallel Mayor Zimmerman
tried to create in his reference to q
private business man not consulting
the public, Is no analogy whatever,
the private business man is transact
ing his own private affairs and II he
makes a mistake he alone suffers tho
is conducting the business Of the pub
lie and II he makes q mistake the
people pays the penalty and not Mayor
Zimmerman.
If the press feels like allowing me to
speak plain, must say the manner in
which the water works question was
handled, in strict violation of the Law.
by holding secret sessions and learn
ing the nature of the one bid before
such bid was duly advertised !or.
thus putting possible competitors to
decided disadvantage; II the actions
of the board on that occasion and their
present act, in having prepared con.
tract for a new gas franchise without
advertising is to be taken as a criter-
ion, 1t will not be far fetched tn rEy:
| it may be possible for them to deal
| with two or more such questions at
one time. but 1t would come nearer the
truth to say they might deal more sue
cessfully with one such question in
! two times trying.
The city attorney. Gardner, advised
the returning OF the bids to the Water
Works company, citing the law which
stipulates that such bids must be adj
vertised which WAS subsequently done.
| Why do the beard OF works 60 co.i-
trsry to his advice? Are they Z. law
unto themselves?
Mr.. Campfield has intimated his in
tention of entering bid for gas
franchise, this being the case, why is
! one company favored with star cham
bered sessions, while the other 10 barr
ed from such privilege?
| 1t would be wrong to do 1t in either
case and why should 1t be done 1t
all?
The motion Of Councilman Vessel
| was strictly in order ii 1t was accept
ton of any bid that has not been legal
| ~ advertised, and the laying OF 1t -on
the table without the seconder's
| Councilman Weishaupt's) consent,
| stands III 4 new wrinkle In parlfa-
mentary usage.
| Such motion did not imply . lack
Of harmony between the board of puh-
| lie works and the Legislative d1Dart-
Ment. (the councilD only 70 far - =
determination on their part 70 play
fair with the public by not allowing
the gas franchise 10 crowd out fhs.
lCoutiuucd On PAee Nxht)