Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-03-09

49, IL the people refuse to accept the
new charter, that is the end of it,"
said Mr.. Atwood
William H. Sawyer. alderman and
expert engineer. then explained that the
act changing the name of the Auburn
Water Commissioner to Auburn Water
and Sewerage Board, and transferring
to its control the city's sewer system
is offered in a new draft
1T is our idea said Mr. Sawyer
who knows more about the practical
construction of AUBURN sewers than
any other man, that the system should
be under the supervision of one con-
tlnuing board 1t is now supervised by
a city council committee. which is con-
stantly changing and knows nothing
about sewers anyway, and by the street
commissioner, who serves but two years
THE original bill provided that the
water commissioners should take over
the sewerage system; but 7 find, in
talking to the members, they aren't
wholly in favor Of the idea They don't
wish to mix the water and sewer ap-
proprlatlons-and. If they are to. build
sewers. they want a separate income
so the new draft creates a separate
sewer commissioning be composed,
however. of member of the water board.
II any member refuses to serve in the
dual capacity and the matter is OPP
tonal-the vacancy shall be filled by
appointment of the city council"
And so, in brief" asked a member
or the committee. you wish to take
the sewers from direct control of the
council and place them under the SUI
pervision of a commission"
Yes"
Is this wise legislation?"
We certainly think so"
George Z. Wing. Jr.-who was careful
10 explain that he didn't appear as an
obJector-drew attention to a section in
the draft authorizing the commission TO
issue bonds for extension and improve
ment of the sewer system. I'VE all want
to be progressive said he, but the first
thing which came to my mind when
read that clause was the decision in the
case of Brown VS.. Waterville. The CITY
of Watervlle. you may recall, tried to
acquire city hall in violation of its
constitutional debt limit; and it occurred
to me that Auburn, in providing an ex-
tensive system of financing for it's sew
ers. may be in the same position"
But this act is fairly satisfactory to
all citizens. is 1t not?" asked Senator
Wood of the committee.
IL can't tell you'll don't know" Mr.
Wing responded.
WELL" said Mr.. Sawyer "IIl state
that the citizens are not familiar with
it. It's been discussed by the city gov
h,
the whole. But the only objection I have
heard is the one raised by Mr.. Wing-the
objection of whether we can raise enogh
money"
1t was brought out that the city is now
very near it's debt limit.
And IL this is so. said Mr.. Wing,
1.-The commission can never issue bonds.
even though this legislation is passed.
But 1 am not objecting, understand; |
merely raise the legal point"
IF the committee is agreeable" said
bed until l can consult Judge Savage.
He is a resident of Auburn. and think
would be glad to advise me-"
He's good man to see, because he
drew the dissenting opinion in the
w CdSSf was Su6SSSACN.
why not submit the matter to
refere ndum?" suggested Chairman
Marshall of the committee. "Then
there will be ample time to consider
it."
"Ill say something that Mr.. Sawyer
can't" came from Hon. Henry w.
Cakes. He is himself an engineer, and
a man of great skill He has given at
tention, time and skill to the construc-
ton of Auburn sewers, and he is try
ing to get the system Strengthened out
completely unified, in contrast to the
present patch work. And his can only
be done under the intelligent direction
of a continuing board. 1t calls for the
careful direction and execution OF men
who know. Now, it is doubtful If this
particular kind of legislation is fitted
for the referendum. for it involves sew
eral things about which the average
voter knows nothing and would not
take the trouble to learn"
That was all; and pending Mr.. Saw
yer's consultation with Justice Saw
age, the act was tabled.
Representative Donald D. Garcelon
of Auburn appeared for the act winch
would permit the city of Auburn TO
A Al