Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-01-08

Gardiner, Me, Jan. DIR Charles j.
Bragdon on Monday. at the annual
meeting of the City council became Of
fetal head Of the city government,
when sworn into office by Judge Will
c. Atkins.
The meeting was very harmonious,
there being not the slightest sign Of
friction, except the refusal of Alder
man Russ to vote when the name Of
Walter X. Wakefield was placed in
nomination by Mayor Bragdon The
meeting was opened with prayer by
Rev. I.angdon Quimby, d D.. after
which the clerk announced the official
elsction Of Dr.. Bragdon as mayor and
that gentleman was escorted TO his
chair by Alderman Moves
The Mayors Address
The mayors inaugural address,
which follows touches upon some top
les Of vital interest to the citizens of
Gardiner. problems that must be con-
fronted during the year 1918. The adj
dress is clear cut and shows a strong
grasp Of existing conditions as they
really are.
TO the members Of the Gardiner City
Council:
Today the city of Gardiner enters
upon its seventh year under commits
sion government 10 obtain the best re-
suits under this or ony other form OF
government there should be | believe.
harmony abOng its members.
AS commissioners we are servants
Of the public, and il we begin today
with 4 determination to give to the city
the best there is in US. and endea vor
to transact its affairs as we would our
own private business. I believe we shall
command the confidence and respect Of
the citizens who have elected Us TO Of
fee. ] want to say at the outset that
/ count greatly on your experience and
cooperation to assist me in the new
and arduous duties before me. | prom
Use to work with you to the best Of my
ability that we may give our city a
harmonious and businesslike admins
tration.
The mos important of our duties,
and undoubtedly the one which inter
ests the most people, is the matter Of
appropriations. From these appropria-
lions the tax rate will be determined.
The tax rate very properly interests
everyone. There are two methods Of
making appropriation and levying
taxes. One is to hold the rate to the
lowest possible mill leaving no margin
Of safety to provide for increased cost
Of materials and unforeseen necessary
expenditures. When such a course is
pursued, it is necessary to resort, when
such unforeseen events arise. to tenn
porarv loans. This puts the burden
forward to another years appropria :
tons. The city must pay its legiti-
mate bills. The other method is 70 reep
the appropriations at the lowest pos
sible figure and at the same time allow
reasonble margin for inevitble eX-
penses developing during the year. 1t
seems to me that we ought to strike
happy medium between the narrow pol
icy which keeps the city on the ragged
edge Of a constantly recurring floating
indebtedness on the one hand, or a
lavish policy Of expenditure on the
other hand.
From observa ton which have made
during the 10 years l have been privi-
legged to call Gardiner my home, / am
convinced that our citizens are a fair
minded, thoughtful and loyal people.
They are ever ready TO assume their
share Of any great responsibility which
they consider to be their duty. In the
present great war upon which the eyes
Of the whole world are turned, they
have proven this by doing their part
ard doing it we'll So far their quotas
Of man for the army and navy have