The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1914-10-11
MAYOR GREENHUT ON
REDUCTION OF EXPENSES

wealthy little city Of Escanaba, Mich
igan, having a population Of fifteen
thousand, the police force consists of
marshal and eight patrolmen, and
my kinsnan, Sol Greenhut, who was
mayor Of that city for three terms, on
a recent visit here, stated to me that
he was astounded to find our police
force so much larger than Escanaba's.
But coming near home, I have a
letter from Hon. Laz Schwarz, police
commissioner Of Mobile, Ala, answer
ing questions which I propounded to
him as follows:
Mobile and Pensacola.
1.-The assessed valuation of tax
able property, based on state and coun-
ty assessment for 1912 1913-$33, 074,-
70S.00. (This is estimated at 60 per cent
of the real valued
2.-Rate Of taxation: For general
city purposes, 71-2 mills; for special
account old debt 8 1-2 mills; total for
all purposes-11 mills.
3.-Estimated population-55,7 44.
4.--Number of men in police depart
ment-92
5.-Salaries paid policemen, first
year, $4,000 per month; second year,
$4,000 per month; third year, $1,000
Fer month.
6.-Annua1 cost of police department
$751; 10000.
Compare the foregoing with the fol-
lowing statement relative to Pensa-
cola:
Assessed valuation of taxable
roperty-$14. 25o, 100000. upon 20 per
cent valuation)
2--Rate of taxation for all purposes
mills.
3-Estimated popu1ation-25,o 900.
A]-Number of man in police depart
t2tent-52.
6-salaries of poucemen-$7o.o per
rTC1ItA
6a-Rnnual cost police department.
$ET,4Uc.0o~
It Eas been suggested for the pur-
pose Of retaining IN the police depart
ment twelve men whose employment
is not necessary for the efficiency of
the service, that ten per cent should
be deducted from the salary of the
commissioners and all the city off,
GERS, and employees who receive over
1fty-f1ve dollars per month.
Unreasonable and Unjust.
It would be unreasonable and unjust
to continue in the city's employ men
whose services are not required at
cient servants whose services are
necessary and who are not now over
paid
The salary Of the commissioners is
liked by law at $4,000, and this the
commissioners have not the legal right
TO change, although each commissioner
may do as he pleases with his own
salary.
Any one conversant with city affairs
knows that the commissioners salary
IS really smaller than it should be
for the services rendered.
Each commissioner by virtue. of his
office has to respond to many demands
upon him which greatly reduce tae
Of his salary.
This is especially so with me on Ac-
count Of my position as mayor. SucI |
demands including donations and as
sistance amounting from S25 to $50 !
per month, and payment of the Ieglti- /
mate expenses Of two elections in If |
teen months time, have greatly dimlH- |
ished my salary and no reasonable man
could expect me, under the cirCuz1- |
stances, to consent to a reduction in |
my salary merely to keep in the ctty's |
employ men whose services are not |
required.
have not suggested, and Tjn Tot |
to dictate which CIGos bSrs |
of the police force should bs dis |
missed. I am not fighting aSEY tnc;. |
vidual.
I believe all the city e14E.ayAs votsd !
for me. This I greatly appreciate. nr:t |
I have no friends to reward or e=c-
mics to punish" nor axe to gTfrI:.
The people of Pensacola have Cs2cn |
coed to me, and my sole endeav0C IS |
TO protect their interest, promote tie |
city's welfare and prove myself worthy |
Of their trust and confidence.
Respectfully,
ADOLPH GREENHUT.