Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1912-05-02

ment by guess, the tax payers are
robbed of thousands of dollars. Nor
are the amonts small or trihing. AS
sessments by guess are robberies by
guess also. The system Of assessing
under full value, by guess, taking some
suppositious percentage of true value
has fallen down. 1t does not help the
town in state assessments; it makes
county equalization difficult and uncer-
tain, and robs the tax payers who pay
too much.
A departure from true value leads
to no where or anywhere. My duty
to the tax payers of this county
requires me, under my oath Of office, to
require you to assess all Of the property
of this county according to law.
| am further required by law if you
fail in your duty to report you to the
Circuit Court and request your removal
and punishment, which involves heavy
fine and three years disfranchisement.
There has nothing occurred at this
meeting which causes me to expect
that | shall be compelled to resort to
the enforcement of the criminal laws
Of this state against any member of
this conference.
have never met a body of assessors
who have shown more honest zeal and
intelligence in the study of their duties
or more willingness to ascertain the
law governing their duty and obey it.
Remember the powers of the assessor.
You must assess the property. | can
only show you the law and rules under
it. | do not assess nor does the Town
30 ard Of Review assess. The Board
of Review has no power over you
II any way. They cannot change
your assessments except where evil
d nce-sWorn evidence--is taken before
them that justifies change. In GER
tain case reported in our Supreme
Court VS. Iillman 12l Wis 472, the
chairman of the Board of Review for
an intentional reduction or assessment
below true value was fined $3.50. 90 and
on appeal to Supreme Court this judy
ment was affirmed This case was
prosecuted by the Supervisor of AS
SCISSORS
| have but one ambition in the per-
Torrance of my duty. That is to have
the law enforced as it is written.
| have not and you should not have
any friends to reward or enemies to
punish in the performance of duty.
! consider you each and all law
abiding official, well qualified to per-
form the duties of assessor.
| consider each one of you my friend.
shall back you up in all things where
You are right to the best of my power.
do not expect perfection from you
out in one respect that is that you
shall be honest and truthful in the per-
Torrance of your duty.e You are mad
equately paid for your services often. |
Your compensation should be at least
81. 90 per day and you take all the time
necessary to make full, fair and hon
est assessment. My term of office is
three years. When we meet again,
year from now, hope to be able to
near you each and all honestly say, 81
nave followed the law to the best of
ny ability and tried to do my duty at
all times, and did not commit perjury
when certified to my assessment.
When your assessment is completed
De sure and be able to honestly say, 81
Favored no one. | am still in possession
IF my own self respect" and that is
The most valuable thing to retain in
the world.
Wishing you every success in your
work, remain,
Il. l.. CLEARY,