Amarillo daily news. [volume] (Amarillo, Tex.) 19??-current, 1912-03-17
MAYORALTY CANDIDATE
GEE ANNOUNCES PLATFORM

Having announced myself as can
didate for the office OF mayor OF the
city Of Amarillo. l deem II fair that
the voters be informed as TO my posi-
tion on matters OF interest to them
with which the city government has
to deal.
We boast OF our progressive citiz-
enship and our willingness TO contrib
ute literally to those things which
tend TO the moral and material
growth OF our city and the surround
ing country; and our citizens gener-
ally contribute TO all enterprises
charitable work and the building AMI
support of our schools and churches
In proportion to their ability, gen.
orally paying what they subscribe.
have followed this course as citizen
tor the thirteen years that | have
lived in the city.
We have made many public I'M
proyements. and this policy should
be continued but fully realize that
not great deal more can be done
without a special charter cnlarging
the powers Of the city. Such chart
t. should he based upon broad. pro-
gressive lines. and so prepared as to
be clear and concise, easily under
stood by the people, and conducive 70
the hearty cooperation Of our pat
riOtic citizens. believe that a com
mission form OF government Is pref
cradle. not In name only, but act
ually embodyipg the principles oil
such government. Such charter will
OF course. lodge largo powers In J
flew men; and the people should re-
serve the right of initiative. referen
dum, and the recall OF city officers
IN order that they may protect them
selves against the serious mistake,
at honest officials and the abuse o.
this power by those who sometime:
get into office for personal a1vant
age.
favor the municipal ownership
1T all pablic utility plants, and hav,
favored this policy ever since IL has
Dcen an issue In 1907, when | was
city attorney, | worked out a plar
Whereby the city could have purchas
ed the water and light plant; AM
the owners of the llant made a pric,
that could then have been met by tn,
city should have been glad hal
this plan been adopted by the council
at that time but since this was moi
done, the city should begin Row q
lay the foundation for the ownership
VI this and other public utility plants
IL am not misintormed. the annla
net revenue TO the various publ,
utility companies OF the city severa
times exceeds the annua. taxes col
le,ted ny the city. II the city cwne,
these plants, either thu rates or tn,
taxes could be materially reduced
l.htil such time as the city can owl
hese plants, they should be regulat
ed In accordance with their fran
chises and the State laws. II eject
I'd mayor, shall use every means
now given by the laws TO see ysha
The people have protection along thi,
line, and that extensions are mad,
by the companies to all parts OF tn,
city.
! favor the eight hour law for tn,
beneiit OF city employees. and alsc
favor the employment Of home laho,
m public works.
am convinced that We have a
scod volunteer fire department a,
there is In the State. and>that thi,
department saves more MONEY 70 IN,
citizens, in proportion to the eNpens,
| OF maintenance, than any Othes
branch of city government. The city
should not be parsimonious in N,
maintenance OF this department. hui
should increase its equipment as rap
idly as the financial condition OF III,
city will permit. thereby permittin.
the men who give their labor anC
risk their lives fer the benefit Of IN,
citizens In this department 10 hav,
as many comforts and con, cuicncei
AS possible and saving the citizens
great deal OF money in inst ranc,
premiums.
The city should take fulj advant
ase "f the paving laws as hcretofor,
adopted, continue its street Improve
ments, and see that walks AM cross
ing are provided for pedestrians. Tn,
city has ample rower to carry thi