The copper era and Morenci leader., 1915-07-09
TOM CAMPBELLW WILL RESIGN AS TAX
 COMMISSIONER
Provided the Supreme Court Holds
 That Veto of Governor Killed All Appropriations for Expenses of the Commission.


 PRESCOTT, July 4.-"Rather than mark time and render no services for the salary the state is paying me, will resign my position as state tax commissioned and return to my home In Yavapai county"
 Thus spoke Tax Commissioner Tom Campbell yesterday when interview ed regarding the financial mixup into which the state has been plunged by the attempt of Governor Hunt to veto certain sections of the appropri- ation bill. It was the intention of the governor in exercising his veto prerogative to nullify the work of the legislature in pairing down the ap- propriations for certain departments of the state government, but accord ing to ex-Attorney General Bullard, his action not only wiped out the sta tutory appropriations, which are con tinuing in character, but also the sums which the legislature sought to aIlot. Attorney General Wiley Jones disagrees with the conclusions reach ed by his predecessor, but it is under stood that Auditor Callaghan will re- fuse to honor any warrants until the courts decide whether the governor or the legislature is in the right. As a result many of the departments of the state are tied up hard and fast, not having a cent on which to do busi- ness. Among them is the Tax Con- mission of which MT. Campbell is member, there not even being post age stamp in that office with which to mail out letters.
 'The situation confronting the commission" MT. Campbell said. ''is more serious than the people realize. In fact our work has been brought to a complete stop through no fault of our own A case in point occurred only last Thursday We had prepared some 180 letters to be sent to private car companies which had done busi- ness in the state during the past year, notifying them of the amount assessed to each, the total being the tidy sum of about $35,OO0. A few eo of the letters were stamped and then the supply became exhausted. We made requisition upon the auditor for $40. % worth of stamps, but owing to the legal situation it is doubtful if he grants it. In that event the state loses the not inconsiderable sum of $35.OOO.
 
 It is not generally known that the tax commission assesses directly 65 per cent of all property in the state, $250 ,O00,0 ,0O0 worth, which is an indi- cation of the importance of it's work. Just now it is handling for the first time the assessment of productive makes under the ad valorem basis. This assessment, which yet has not been completed, must under the law, be in the hands of the several boards of supervisors not later than the second Monday in July. Of nee essity, under the circumstances, the assessment will be most arbitrary one, probably leading to dire legal complications, both of which condi- tions would be most unpleasant to MT. Campbell and result ultimately i'm dis satisfaction to all taxpayers interested in the welfare of the state.
 Personally I believe there is & great work for the tax commis- sion in this state and it's field of endeavor and usefulness is constantly | growing broader. But there is no | excuse for such commission with l it's hands tied and sitting in it's office | in the capitol and doing nothing but | drawing down salary. We have no for travelling expenses, none for stationery and none for stamps. Rather than be a member of a con- mission which exists only in name I would send in my resignation to the governor and such will be the course will pursue unless there is some thing done shortly to remedy the present intolerable condition of af- fairs. I am a firm believer in the old saying that a faborer is worthy of lis hire and I have endeavored to 'ender service for the money paid me oy the state. But if conditions exist whereby I am prevented from render I receive, would not ,e honest with myself or the peo- ,le of the state by continuing in office. I felt when I was elected ' hat I could be of use and benefit to i