Pine Bluff daily graphic. (Pine Bluff, Ark.) 1893-1942, 1914-06-16
Mayor Simon Bloom.

There is quite an analogy in the po
sition of one who directs some great
enterprise and that of the Mayor of
city. Just as the officials and direct
ors of huge corporation are respon-
sible to the stockholders for the safe
conduct of it's affairs and the reten-
ton of it's prestige and dividend-pro
ducing capacity, in almost the same
way the citizens--the stockholders in
the municipal corporation-should
look to the mayor to provide for them
the greatest possible returns from
their contribution to the civic growth
1t is probable that under our present
form Of aldermanic government the
presiding official does not have con-
centrated in him the powers or the
duties that he ought to have, and, SON.
sequently, may be in a position to shift
responsibility. However, the case
might be, the present executive of the
city of Pine Bluff has been fully
sensible Of the fact that the mayor
should be the person held accounta.
BILE for the legislation enacted, and
the things, related to the city. govern
ment, which transpire during his adj
ministration. Most of the innovations
and achievements have been effected
through his own initiative and as
result of his constructive ideas; and
he has had no occasion to feel reluct-
ant about standing by the action that
he has proposed in the solution of
public questions. His policy has been
a distinctly affirmative one, which he
has always freely announced.
Mayor Simon Bloom was born in
this city fifty three years ago, and has
continuously resided here since that
time. His father was John Bloom,
who, with his brothers, was one of
the. honored pioneers of the, city. and
proved an. aggressive and sacrificing
citizen of such character and ability
ass was reflected in his son to make
him a useful factor in the growth of
tho community Since his youth May
or Bloom has been prominent figure
in tcivic affairs, although previous to-
his incumbency in the mayors office.
he. never sought political preferment;
and even in this case, was urged by,
his. numerous admirers J to offer for
the position. Not only has he been a
staunch and resolute advocate of the,
Democratic principles, but, in prac-
tics. never deviates from the course
of theStrue, Democracy. His friends
are legion insevery walk of aife: as he
is a man against whom one could new
er direct the accusation of being, fay-
orable to another because of ranh or
social status.> Having abhshed hrs
home here for such a longsperia&9
time WITNESSING 1.-The s.expaps ioN
the Giy from a. small town to- asyaWSS1
ishingSand important trade e*ceateEss
; imbibings the lessons .to = be s.lsaphHd
from past experimentation in ,muIiei /:
pal government, thereby developing
practical ideas 'of city's s- marage
ment; yielding,to the impelling plpyV61
oficivic pride to studysits' needs AND
urge the solution of its problems; ga
keehs observer, sand i indefatsab5e
worker.s and arsuccessful rbusfnsss
man, Mayor Bloom has been enabled
to accomplish as much as, in many
instances more than anyone who has
preceded him in the Soffice. I. .l |
10 comment on hiss.activity, in, the
abstract. Mayor Bloom has done more
tofarouse an interest in civic affairs,
with ITS resultant discussion Of the
same, than any other mayor of Pine
Bluff. 20 do that is a function of the
city executive that is frequently over
looked: but it is something that May
orr Bloom has never neglected.
With specific reference to some of
the snotable achievements under his
administration. and most of themsorig-
mated through his initiative, the most
noteworthy improvement has been ev-
ident In the financial condition Of
the city. With the Limitation on taxa
ton for city purposes, the financial
problem has always been pressing
and cumulative one; until the burden
has become particularly heavy at
present. Nevertheless, the indebted
ness of the city has now been de-
creased sby $34, 1000. and all past due
obligations have bean cancelled. This
is q record in the city's finance.
To keep. the city clean and slightly
has BEEN AfaY6r Blooms hobby, and
with the HEARTY Cooperation Of the
council, he hes had no difficulty In