The Sun. [volume] (Price, Utah) 1915-1932, 1916-10-27
PRECEDENT PROPOSED

State money, state time and the labor of state en-
poyes being used by the state board of equalization
for eectioneerng purposes The propaganda is being
operated in the interest Of proposed amendment to the
constitution, and not for any candidate but If such vi
cious precedent Is established the time is not remote
when state funds and time will be used to promote the
chances Of candidates for public office Salt Lakes r-
bune edtorialy that the members Of the board,
from the very outset, have displayed most offensive
activity TO put through their unfair and preposterous
amendment In the legislature they obbed TO have the
amendment submitted to vote of the people because
increased their powers, while practically taking all power
out of the hands Of the county commissioners and county
assessors in taxing matters. Not content with their
in getting the amendment before the qualified
electors of the state they utilize the states funds
time and labor to pull the wool over the eyes of the
voters.
The specious plea Of the equalzers is that the state
ment printed and circulated at the expense of the tax
payers is explanatory review of the amendment As
matter Of fact IL is biased and incomplete statement
from the board Of equalization printed in Of the local
newspapers at their request IL tries TO of
the objections raised TO the amendment and so explains
the terms of the amendment 60 convo the impression
that IL would be in the interest Of the people . adopt
part of their fundamental law. Moreover, the state
ment is sent out under the heading. TAX Amendment
Equalzes Rates" although the contention of its OPP
ponents-taxpayers of the state-s thai creates glar
ing inequalities. To further hoodwir The voters the
members of the board append TO the printed statement
note which says:
1--WE have no personal interest in the natter and this
communication Is intended only by way Of explanation to
the public"
c. S. Varian. who was a member of the constitutional
convention, performed public service when he pointed
statement is clearly plea for the defeat Of the amend
ment The plea sent out by the board is quite clear
bid for the adoption Of the amendment and fearful
the members Of letting the cat out of the bag that
they neglect TO incorporate in their statement
PLANTATION showing that their own powers would be in
creased to despotc proportions and that the powers Of
the county authorities would be reduced 20 minimum.
II the states money is TO be expended for publicity adj
vocatiR the amendment would be only fair 10 publish
statements attacking the amendment. But the true
ehc Of the is that publicity either for against
the amendment should be sent out at the expense Of the
taxpayers.
II state board the states money for cleo
toneerng what is TO prevent county boards from using
public funds for their personal and political advantage?
What is 10 prevent public officials from conducting
publicity campaign in their behalf throughout their
administrations, that when the time for the
primaries they may have ngraated themselves with the
voters at the states expense? The board however in
danger of being hit by its boomerang The voters
will ask and will be justified in asking whether the
amendment is such bad that needs funds taken
from the public treasury 10 bolster IL up They will
suspect that II cannot stand its merits without
such aid ii is fundamentally vicious.