Perth Amboy evening news., 1912-10-26
STAND TAKEN
BY g. MASON
Candidate for School Board
in South Amboy.
South Amboy, Oct. 26, /!

South Amboy, Oct. 26, 1912.
Editor of EVENING NEWS:
A great many of our citizens have
expressed a wish to know just where
l. as a candidate for member of the
Board of Education, stand in regard
to the public school matters, and l
take this means of making my posi-
ton plain by bringing to the atten-
tion of all concerned certain matters
of interest.
So much has been said in regard
to the bond issue of $4,000 for ad-
ditions and improvements that moth
ing more is perhaps necessary. How
ever, / think the people will agree
with me that this large expenditure
should not have been incurred at this
time in view of the clamor raised
against it, the fact that a law went
into effect in July which we under
stand contained provisions the plans
adopted by the school board do not
cover, and practically inasmuch as
the attendance at our schools is less
this year than last.
Do the people realize the present
registration is but 656 as against $50
last year? Then why the necessity
for an increased number of rooms?
Do the people know that notwith-
standing the state inspector con-
demned the so-called basement
rooms in school No. 1 that he recent
ly gave permission to the board to
use one of such rooms (Which was
discarded last year, for the purpose
Of having a class in manual training?
This of course necessitated a direct
expenditure to start with of $3.50 by
the board and a promise of $3.50
from the state. If he would give
permission to use a basement room
for this class, why condemn it for
| other classes?
Do the people not agree with me
that before contracting for plans at
an expenditure of $1,000 a definite
understanding as to the proper line
Of procedure should have been ar
| rived at and then various architects
requested to bid on the plans at a
certain percentage of the actual cost,
rather than place the matter in the
hands of any particular firm without
the advantage of competitive bid
ding?
Do taxpayers not agree with me
that the relations between the board
and the governing body of the city
should have been such as to not re-
quire the employment of special
counsel by the board at the expense
of the citizens?
Do the people not agree with me
that there should be competitive bid
ding on the school supplies, giving
our local people who pay taxes an
opportunity, rather than place the
orders with outside firms? Much Is
saved by competitive bidding.
Have the people ever investigated
to ascertain the large amount Of
money expended yearly for material
for making experiments, such as gold
leaf, ETC., and have any beneficial re-
suits from such expenditures been
visible?
Is it not thought the efforts of the
faculty should be directed towards
improvement in more practical and
beneficial subjects?
Does it not appear strange that
there should be a large expenditure
every year for text books when there
is no increase in attendance and used
books are rebound?
Have not the people began to real
ize that, with a school law vesting a
board of education with SO much
power to expend money, each citizen
should carefully consider who he
| elects to represent him in such mat
tiers? Why don't the people attend
the meetings Of the board of educa-
ton to see the manner in which their
business is conducted?
1t may be recalled that just prior
to last election l expressed the opin-
ion through the columns of the
EVENING NEWS that the taxpayers
would suffer an unwarranted ex-
pense if the present board were elect
ed to office. Do the people feel sat
isfied that they will not suffer a still
greater expenditure II the same
board is continued? An entirely
new high school is not yet a dead is
sue In the minds of mn The peo-
pie should remember that these ex-
penditures affect all-those owning
property, those paying rent and even
those holding shares in the building
loan as all taxes are taken are of
by the loan. These matters should
receive creful thought. They are
facts that do not admit Of any con-
trary argument. Having been a
regular attendant at the board of
education meetings for a number of
years, | know wheheof l speak.
My only reason for being a candi-
date is the earnest solicitation OF
citizens and taxpayers of both parties.
I have no thought Of material re-
Enumeration or personal honor, but
have sufficient interest in local af-
fairs to offer myself as a means by
! which the people might accomplish
some good, even though at a personal
sacrifice. A man should be selected
strictly upon merit, considering past
performances, intelligence and hon
esty of purpose. / have never held
Office, but / gladly welcome investi-
cation as to ordinary intelligence ana
honesty of purpose. l have no de-
sire to indulge In personalities, in
fact it would ill-become me and the
principles I profess to make dispar-
aging remarks of any character; but
in justice to themselves the people
should carefully weigh this matter.
They should remember they are not
voting for any particular individual
or party but for themselves. only
hope for a fair and unbiased consid-
Grafton Of the whole subject.
l thank you Mr.. Editor for your
kind attention.
c. T. MASON.