The copper era and Morenci leader., 1918-06-21
OF INTEREST TO TAXPAYERS.

This is an era of conservation, thrift and economy and the individual is taught to Hoov- erize in his home, economize in his business and to reduce his expenses to the lowest figure This being the rule for the individual the tune is opportune for the state, county and num- cipahty to pattern after the individual ex- ample One way the political subdivisions could begin the practice of thrift and economy would be the abolshment of unnecessary off cers and deputies.
 On more than one occasion the Era has advocated with the approaching session of new Legislature, that the oBard of Supervls- ors bring forward proposed bill to be ntro- duced in the Legislature looking toward stricter economy in the administration of county affairs Along the same lines the sew eral Town Councils of small municipalities in the state could accomplish much good.
 Viewing the question locally, and without reflection any present officials, 1t appears that Greenlee county, and especially Clifton, is over run with supernumeraries in the capa- city of statutory peace officers. In the opln- ion of the Era there is not precinct in the county where the constable's office cannot be abolished without jeopardizing the safety of the people or impairing the administration of precinct affairs.
 / The saving of money to the taxpayers would amount to neat little sum annually Ii the policy of elimination was adopted by the Board of Supervisors. While this cannot be done by an order from the Board, in so many words, the Board has the right to fix the sal aries of these officers, and the compensation for the office of Constable in every precinct can be placed at such a sum that the desired economy would be the same.
 In states where the fee system is in vogue this is immaterial. In Arizona 1t is diff ferent Here each officer is paid salary, and in many the salary amounts to nothing short of a pension. With the present force of deputy sheriffs in this county, one and some times two in each precinct, there about as much necessity for a Constable in these pre- cincts as the buttons the back of Prince Albert coat-ornamental perhaps, but use- less
 In the Clifton precinct and municipality at least two peace officers could be dispensed with during normal conditions.
 In county affairs the Era has always maintained, and still maintains, that the Statutes should go no farther than fixing the
 
 for each county. All extra deputy hire should be allowed by the Board of Supervisors when it appears that such deputy hire is absolutely necessary The Board of Supervisors is look ed upon as the managers of county affairs Then, why not give them the authority to manage it?
 In state affairs it occurs to us that one Superior Judge and Court Reporter for each of the small counties is a lavish ex- travagance. For example, Judge w. H. Saw telle is the United States Judge for the entire State of Arizona, holding court at Tucson, Phoenix and Prescott Judge Sawtelle dis poses of more Federal cases than all the Judges of the small counties in the state com bined at practically the same salary that one of the Superior Judges of a small county re- ceives.
 These are serious questions for the tax payers to ponder in this day of save and economize.