El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1915-10-18
MAYOR To MEET
THE TAXPAYERS
Will Have Meetings all Over
City to Ascertain Needs
I of the People.

Mayor Lea Is contemplating series
or "get-tOEether' meetings with the
voters in each precinct, for the purv
pose OF learning at first hand the
needs Of each district and to foster a
spirit Of cooperation between the cit
liens at large and the city adminiStra-
ton When asked about the proposed
conferences, mayor Lea admitted that
such a plan was under consideration
Il have had this idea in mind for
long time" he said 1t has always
seemed a curious and foolish political
custom to me which makes 1t impera-
tive that each political faction should
hold meetings in each district prior to
election, but allows il TO be optional
with the successful candidates as TO
whether they shall ever visit that dis
trict again If it is so important that
the voters should be given an OppOrtu-
nifty TO meet the candidates, before
election, it certainly seems TO me to be
equally desirable for them to have
chance to meet the office holders after
wards. Personally, 1 want the citizens
OF Fl Paso to feel that I am more anx-
ious to meet them now, since they
have chosen me as their chief execu-
tive, than I was when I was seeking
their votes.
To Solicit Ideas of All.
But the main purpose Of these meet
ing Will be to give the citizens in each
precinct a chance to tell US what they
want in the way of local improvements
and betterments, to give US chance
TO explain some of the problems we are
trying TO solve, and TO promote
spirit Of cooperation between the citi-
zens and their officials. I want to lay
great stress on the fact that these
meetings will be absolutely non-par-
tisOn- / want to meet the citizens. not
as the representative Of any political
party, but as the mayor Of all the
people. I would like every voter TO
be present regardless OF whether he
voted for me or not
All should Pull Together.
THE advancement of the city's in
terests in any direction is the Objec-
tive toward which all good citizens
should strive, as such advancement
inevitably reacts beneficially on each
individual and il is on the basis OF
our mutual purpose along these lines,
that I desire TO meet the citizens 1
cannot see how such a series OF con-
ferences can fail to be of benefit. as
We plan TO make the meetings Just as
informal and sOciable as we possibly
can. 1t will give the citizens In eacn
precinct chance TO explain the needs
peculiar TO their own section and We
are sure TO receive many valuable suS-
sestions that would otherwise escape {
our attention.
To Tell Citizens Everything.
"As everyone knows. the biggest
obstacle TO improvements is the cost. I
but I expect to find. as a result OF :
many minor betterments which can
be effected at comparatively slight ex- I
pense and which will add greatly 10 ,
the comfort and conveniences OF our 3
people. Suggestions along these lines I
will be welcomed and every idea ad- F,
vanced will be given the most care 4
full consideration. II improvements /
are suggested which it is impossible I
for the city to undertake because OF
lack OF funds, that fact will be fully /
explained
To Take Citizens Into Confidence
We mean TO take the citizens into I
our confidence and let them see the I
we are trying TO overcome .
I believe the average man to De rea-
sonable and Just and I am confident !
,ur explanations will be received IN /
the proper spirit I expect these meet /
ings 10 result in a better understand !
ing all around. It Will give US an IN 1
sight into the views Of the citizens 4
md at the same time. it will enable ]
hem 10 see just what we are up 4
against" /