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
of the People.

Mayor Lea is contemplating a series
or get-together'' meetings with the
voters IN each precinct for the pur-
pose OF learning at first hand the
needs Of each district and to foster a
spirit of cooperation between the cit
izens at large and the city administra-
ton When asked about the proposed
conferences, mayor Lea admitted that
such plan was under consideration
4 have had this idea in mind for a
long time" he said. 1T has always
seemed a curious and foolish political
custom 10 me which makes il fmpera-
tive that each political faction should
mold meetings in each district prior to
election. but allows it to be optional
with the successful candidates as to
whether they shall ever visit that dis
trict again II il is so important that
the voters should be given al Opportu-
nifty TO meet the candidates, before
election. il certainly seems to me TO be
equally desirable for them to have 4
chance to meet the office holders after
wards. Personally. 1 want the citizens
of FL PasO to feel that am more anX-
iOus to meet them now, since they
have chosen me as their chief eXecu-
tive, than I was when 1 was seeking
their votes.
To Solicit Idens 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 a
spirit of cooperation betW the cltl-
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
a the representative OF any political
party. but as the mayor Of all the
people I would like every voter 10
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 ! desire to meet the citizens
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. It will give the citizens In eacn
precinct d chance to explain the needs
peculiar to their own section and We
are sure to receive many valuable sug-
gestions that would otherwise escape
our attention
To Tell Citizens Everything.
"As everyone knows, the biggest
obstacle to improvements is the cost.
but I expect to find. as ? result OF
these meetings. that there are a great
many minor betterments which can
be effected at comparatively slight eX-
pense and which will add greatly TO
the comfort and conveniences Of our
people Suggestions along these lines
will be welcomed and every idea ad-
vanced will be given the most care
full consideration II improvements
are suggested which it is impossible
for the city to undertake because OF
lack OF funds. that fact viii be fully
explained
To Take Citizens Into Confidence.
we mean 10 take the citizens into
our confidence and let them see the
difficulties we are trying to overcome.
I believe the average man TO be rea-
sonable and just and I am confident
our explanations will be received in
the proper spirit I expect these meet
ings 10 result in a better understand
ing ali around Il will give US an in
sight into the views Of the citizens,
and at the same time. it viii enable
them to see just what We are up
against"