Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-03
NEW IONDON-C -CROTON BRIDGE
Much Interest This Project Well the Grain Elevator for Which $50o,0oO isAsled From State-Lessatve Matters Involving This Locality.

[ sitions. the legislative delegation from New London has presented a big batch of bills of more or less importance, but it is safe bet that very few of them originated with the gentlemen who pre- scented them. and it is another bet that in many instances the real merit of the bills, if any they contain, are not yet known te the introducers. It is the duty of the legislator to present all bills handed him by his constituents, and this he does, and without regard to the subject matter. However, the leg isIator who introduces a bill is sup posed to appear at the committee hear ing when that bill is up for considera- tion, and it is also his duty to post the originator of the bill as to the time of the hearing. It is then, and not till then, that the men behind the bills show their hand. What is true of New London in this respect is true of every other town in the Nutmeg State. Bills introduced by the gentlemen from New London include one that gives to the mayor authority to appoint a clerk of the board of assessors. now an elective office, with a salary of S1,5o0 year. Another gives the mayor the power to appoint board of assessors with
 minority representation, and another makes provision for the election of a non partisan board of school visitors. But these are but a few of the many bills from New London and indicate that New London will be just as much in the legislative foodlight as ever. Then, besides the big propositions of state wide interest, in which New Lon don will cut figure, and those here mentioned, is the act that authorizes the board of water and sewer commits sioners to pension off employees who have been in the service for 30 years, and who, in the judgment of the conn missioners, are inexperienced from fur ther useful service There are at least two of the employees who would be eligible to retirement and pension, men who have been in the employ ever since the construction of the water system, and who, in fact. helped to construct the system. They are Walter H. Rich ards. the superintendent. who has made public declaration that the proposed act is not to cover his case, as he con- siders himself just as capable as ever, and has no intention of retiring on half pay.
 The other empioye is Austin Buddy, the foreman of the water works. He came to New London with the con ! tractor and helped to construct the system. He was left in New London after the completion of the contract as the representative of the contractor in charge of the system. At the end of the year when the obligations of the contractor ended, Mir. Buddy was en-
 gagged by the water department as foreman of the system and he has sat- iisfactorily flied the position ever since, and for period of about A years. Mir Buddy is also active and has no inten- ton of going on the retired list. There fore, it would seem that there is no need for the passage of a pension act for the water and sewer commissioners l for the city of New London, especially if it is the deSigne of the commission CTS to dispense with the active services of these faithful employees and force them to retire on half pay. With the
 sanction Of the court of common coun- Gil, a pension could be provided for these men when the time arrives when 1t may become necessary for them to