The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1919-05-09


ability to meet such. We must know
our power to raise funds before we
can easily plan program of expen-
ditures. Let me say right here, that
this administration was not chosen
on platform of retrenchment. Peo-
pie are demanding more and better
city conveniences and these cost
money. Taxes must be higher in
order to meet these demands. We
are asked to expend and enlarge,
only keeping in mind one thing,
namely, give the tax payer in each
and every case 100 cents worth Of
real improvement for every dollar
spent. But first of all we must place
the city on safe and sane financial
basis by adapting our budget to our
resources.
Second: We are called upon to
extend our pavement by making i'm
provement districts in various parts
of the city, but let me suggest that
we must first carefully consider the
matter of storm sewer Of adequate
capacity to take care of the drain
age. There must not be a wrong
step made. Thoughtful investiga-
tions and scientific computation must
guide us in our conclusions. Our
city is in healthy growing condi-
ton and we must look to future
needs as we'll as present conditions.
Third: We are asked to extend
our side walks and add the connect
ing street crossings. This should be
done at once, but again Judgment
and care should be- exercised to give
100 per cent of efficient service.
Fourth: There is a strong de-
mand for cleaner city, both as to
sanitation and morals. The weed
nuisance must be abated. The COM
mittee on streets and alleys must
find means for enforcing all ordin-
ances to the end that rubbish and
weeds are thoroly eradicated and
kept so. If our ordinances are in
sufficient let us pass new ones that
will clean up and keep clean, our
streets, alleys and vacant lots.
'Side walks must be cleaned from
snow in winter, not occasionally, but
consistently.
IAN ordinance should be passed
compelling the trimming of trees on
either side of the walk to uniform
heighth. {
The law and order committee
should assist the officers in every
way in enforcing the various ordin-
ances which are designed to keep
our town morally clean and whole
some, to the end that our young peo-
pie may have right conception Of
civic and personal purity in which to
form their ideals.
Under head of morals, may |
suggest for your consideration an
ordinance which will curb the rather
unusual and certainly unnecessary
use of profane and abscure language
on our street and in public places.
This being not only a bad example
for our young people, but an af-
front to our womanhood and a dis
grace to our city in the estimation of
visiting friends.
Let me add that an ordinance
unenforced is worse than scrap of
paper" for it creates a disrespect
for all authority. Let us either en-
force or repeal.
Fifth: On ordinance should be
passed which would make all cleo
trio wiring in accordance with the
underwriters rules and requiring a
strict adherence to such rules both
within and without the fire limits of
the city, thus reducing the insurance
rates and at the same time greatly
lessening our fire danger.
"A like ordinance regulating the
plumbing of our city in similar man
ner would be decided improvement
on present condition.
Sixth: Our fire department is
in good way to do it's part, but
there is an immediate demand for
assistance. You as a council acquaint
yourselves with these needs.
Seventh: 1t should be our earn
est endeavor to inform ourselves at
once on the necessary steps to CO.
operation with the county commits
sioners to the end that we secure
portion of the 100000 recently
voted to improve the roads leading
into town, especially the one to the
Snake river bridge to the west.
Eighth: The proposed auto
camp at the/ city park should be
given attention and every encourage
ment given to the v. I. S. ladies in
their endeavors to make this and
like improvements.
Ninth: The matter of street
cleaning devices should be thoroly
investigated and some provision
made for modern and economical
means of keeping our pavement tidy
and the dirt streets from dust.
Tenth: 1t becomes my duty to-
make the selection for the appoihtive
positions in the city official family
and your duty to confirm. Permit
me to state that l have gone about
this with no prediction promises
to bind, nor am l under any obliga=
tons to any person or faction.
have given these positions careful
consideration and thought. l have
been free to use my best Judgment
for no pressure has been brought
to bear either before or since cleo
ton. My thought has been free from