The Delta independent., 1917-11-02
A. C. TAYLOR CANDIDATE FOR
ELECTION CITY COMMISSIONER
BY A. c. Taylor, Candidate for
Commissioner of Waterworks:


! became candidate for one of the
offices Of city commissioner and ac.
cepted the same on the 25th day Of
October. 1917, and did so in the utmost
good faith. At the time OF my ac-
ceptance ] had not read the entire
city charter, especially that portion
having reference to the qualifications
of candidates for sioners,
which in part provides that "a candi-
date must be a freeholder for two
years previous to election
On Wednesday. October 3-st, the
question of my property qualifications
was raised to me in person by a citi-
zen of Delta, and Immediately made
an investigation of the facts and opin-
ion of Judge Black in the Dan Wag-
oner case. After my investigation /
concluded that my position with ref
erence to property qualifications was
quite similar to his at the time of his
election as city commissioner
] came to Delta in 1908 and have
lived here continuously. We pur-
chased a small farm south of Delta
which we still own. and home prop
erty in the city. All the purchase
money for the city and farm proper
ties came from my personal funds
and | have continued to pay all the
taxes on same from my personal
earnings.
When these properties were pur-
chased thought it would be fair and
just thing to do to place the city
property in my wife's name, beliey-
ing that there would be home for
the family, and in the event of my
death save considerable court expens-
es. Am confident l did the right and
20 ~
daughter are more sacred 10 me than
any office. However. / own other
property in Delta, hut the same will
not be in my name on the records,
two years previous to January list.
1918, the date will qualify as CON-
missioner, II elected.
As stated this matter was brought
TO my attention on October 31st, and
Immediately after making the investi-
CATION of the Dan Wagner case, de-
cided in the District Court. concluded
that / would withdraw my name from
the ticket rather than have any one
think | was trying to work decep-
tion, or cause litigation in the event
/ was elected. found I could not
withdraw my name from the ballot, rs
the law provides that the withdrawal
certificate must be filed" with the
city clerk 10 days before election,
consequently my name will appear on
the ballot.
There seems to me to be no matcri-
al difference between my property
qualifications and that of Mr.. Wag-
oner's when he was elected, and
have concluded to ask the electors
to consider my candidacy on next
Tuesday. ! believe am qualified TO
handle the affairs of the office of
Commissioner of Waterworks. and If
elected and permitted to serve. will
use all my ability and energy in be
half OF the city.
However. I desire to make this ore
further statement. which I agree o
stand by: II elected, and the candi-
date receiving the next highest vote
for the same office is not satisfied
that I am qualified as provided by
the charter. I will be willing to enter
into a friendly suit after election. on
an agreed state of facts touching my
qualification. and submit the same to
Judge Black for decision, each party
paving one-half OF what little court
costs there might be. No lawyer to
appear for either side. The decision
of the district court to be final.
Having made a complete statement
of the facts as I view them, I beg
to submit my case to the voters next
Tuesday for decision.
Respectfully submitted
A. c. TAYLOR,
Candidate for Commissioner OF Water