Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1912-09-21
MURRAY OUTLINES
CAMPAIGN PLEDGE
MayoraIty Candidate
Favors Financial Reform
and New Charter.

FRANK D.. Murray, VINO seeks the
Republican nomination for mayor OF
Orange. was lauded as a useful citi-
zen and efficient public servant at q
meeting last night in the German
English School Hall. The erstwhile
councilman and assemblyman gave
an extended talk, based on his ideals
of civic government which he pledged
to carry out If placed at the head
of the city's affairs.
j. Alexander Neil. Mr.. Murray's
campaign manager, presided, and
among the speakers of the evening
were Assemblyman Robert M
Mitchell. Joseph G. Wolber.. who
studied law with Mr.. Murray at the
New York University; Edward S.
Perry, postmaster of Orange; Coun-
Perry and others.
Mr.. Murray discussed the need OF
financial improvement, removal of
grade crossings and other reforms.
His speech in part follows:
"One fundamental principle about
this contest is hat Orange Is in need
of an absolutely non-partisan and
non-political administration of its
municipal affairs. I stand for that
and pledge myself to do my utmost
IL nominated and elected to bring
about that condition. There is 20
reason why the government of this
city should not be regarded as a
purely business proposition. I think
It $50 Axv 14lro n-n N an
should regard his office exactly as he
would IL he were the head of a large
business institution.
will Work with Council.
IF l am nominated and elected ]
shall work with the Common Council.
/ shall attend their meetings and I
shall from time to time preside; they
will receive my fullest confidence and
cooperation. I shall deem 1t my
business to go to Trenton to work
for or against the passage of bills in
the Legislature as they may affect
the city. I believe, and I think every
one agrees, that Orange needs a new
charter, and IL I am the next mayor
l shall feel that the people of Or
ange have placed the first RESPONSE
bility upon me for obtaining 1t.
There is one serious matter re-
curing the attention of the people Of
Orange and that is, what are we go
ing to do about the financial condi-
ton of the city? We find the tax
rate and the assessed valuation of
property in Orange steadily climbing.
Whether or not the people are get
ting improvements and benefits in
proportion to this increase I will not
discuss at this time. I understand
the tax rate this year will be about
II or 18 points higher tina last year
and that it will cost about $4,000
more to run the city than last year.
If we add the saving to the city or
the municipal lighting plant of APP
proximately $4,000, the real Increase
to run the city is SAP, 900, which
amounts to over 90 points increase l n
the city tax rate. The assessed al
uation of all property in Orange is
about $21, 900, 900. The total bonded
Indebtedness of Orange is over 50, 800. :
900, and of this mount over 500, 900
is unsecured by any sinking fund.
The total amount raised by taxation
this year to run the city for one year
is over 1886. 900. A study of these fig
ures will convince anyone of the Sc
robustness of the situation.
"It should be kept in mind ais
that a few hundred thousand dol
lars more must be added to take
care of the sewerage proposition.
In addition to this the demands for
increased school facilities are con
stantly growing. Enlargement or
our water supply requires attention.
and the streets will require a large
sum of money to be kept in proper
condition. If | am nominated and
elected mayor ! am going to tell
all the people all about the sttua-
ton, and I am going to keep telling
them. | am going to make 1t my
first and principal duty to explore
every nook and corner in the city
government to find out where money
can be saved.
'"Of course | stand for the aboli-
ton of railroad grade crossings
without any expense to the people.
I fought for such a bill in the Leg
islature and voted for it.
at should be borne in mind that
this is purely a local contest. l
think the time is passing when a
man in small cities can feel certain
of election to Office by reason Of his
being a member of a certain politi-
cal party. I hope to see this year
the largest vote cast in the history
of Orange. I want every man to
vote, whether he is for me OF
against me-"