The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1912-05-02
TO THE PEOPLE
OF IDAHO

In going before the people and askin,
office of governor, it is but right that
they should know what my views are
with reference to the conduct of some
Of the business affairs of Idaho, and
what / consider a few of its imper-
ative needs at the present time, with
out attempt or presumption on my part
to dictate or even suggest what the Ilat
form of the republican party in this
state shall be.
First, believe in a constructive adj
ministration Of the states affairs, with
particular reference to the development
of our varied resources, and proper
safeguard Of the peoples rights.
An application of sound business prin-
ciples and strict enforcement of our
laws with absolute impartiality toward
all, are things stand for. All need
less expenditures should be avoided
Thorough efficiency and rigid economy
are as essential in the conduct of the
business of state, as they are in the
conduct of any private business. The
appointive and creative offices should
be limited to the smallest number con-
sistent with proper administration
of the affairs of tho several
departments of the state. It is
idle to maintain that the taxpayers
can be relieved from excessive taxa
tion by any particular system of assess-
ment, whether cash value or otherwise,
if We employ an excessive number Of
tax-eaters. Their salaries and expersat
must be met.
AS is remembered, last year much
effort was expended in the discussion
of the question of assessment, until
finally the argument eliminated in
calling an extra or extraordinary ses-
sion of the legislature, presumably to
relieve the tax payers, the result being
that an additional tax must be i'm
posed to meet the expenses of that scs-
sion and pay the salaries and expens-
es of additional officers This is not
the sort of relief the people want. 1t
are too reckless in public expenditures.
Last year many Taxpayers particularly
the farmers had to pay from two to
three times mere taxes than they had
paid the previous year, without any
corresponding benefit. That such a
condition obtained is indefensible, fer
it has worked a great hardship upon
many of our people. There should be
no discrimination in assessments to
the end that all may stand only their
just proportion of the burden CT sup
porting the state government.
| am in favor Of making adequate
provision for high standard of main
tenance CT all our state Institutions,
but we should get dollars worth OF
value for every dollar spent.
In certain localities settlers of Carey
Act lands, in order to protect Their
rights have felt compelled to employ
attorneys and incur ether heavy eX-
pGllSe. IL Is my OplulUH lIIdI ln6 > dte
should afford these settlers every pos
sible protection against any necessity
of having to fight for rights and pri-
vileges they are entitled to.
l also believe that we have drifted
away from our state constitution, not
ably en- the question of taxation, and
the expenditure of public funds, and il
elected governor it must be understood
that | shall stand fer strict enforce
ment of the provisions CT that instru-
ment, as well as rigid enforcement of
all laws.
Briefly, these are my views upon a
few of the things that to my mind
most concern the welfare and progress
of our state. If elected, shall not
dodge any issue that may arise, but
will meet it squarely, firm in the re-
solve to do what is best in the in
terest of all cur people.
Sincerely yours,