New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1919-01-15

good case and got judgment of $500 !
in the very poor case. He said that |
is the way it goes Senator Klett said
the decision OF the superior court was
always in favor of the city and he
thought any such amendment was
petty. Despite the opposition to the
proposed amendment it was passed
by the committee.
School Board Criticized
The proposed charter change to
prohibit any members of the boards
from serving on the board of assess
ment and taxation was next discussed.
Mayor Quigley wanted to see it re-
jected. Alderman Curtis wanted the
proposed change to be understood by
the members and for that reason told
just the meaning Of it. He did not
think it right that men should be on
the commission when their depart
ments take more than half the total
amount raised. The general opinion
Of the committee was that it was to
aim at the school board. It was
brought out that the school board is
the only unrestricted board at the
present time. In reference to the mat
ter Mayor Quigley said that Mr.. Hall
could be taken as an example in OPP
position to the amendment. Mr.. Hall
every year sacrifices many thousands
of dollars which he needs to build
permanent pavement, etc, just be-
cause he is on the commission. Fur
Their the mayor said, when the grand
list is boosted, and it is every year
the added amount to be taken in
taxes is grabbed by the school board
1t never fails. If there is $4,000
added to our income then instead of
the board of public works or some
other board getting it the money is
Immediately taken for schools
At the next meeting of. the board
Of finance and taxation it is under
stood that q committee will be asked
to investigate the expenditures of the
school board. Mayor Quigley said it
is his intention to have an investiga-
ton made of the money matters Of
the board. He did not doubt that the
schools needed money There are
many men who want to know what
the board is getting for all the money
appropriated. Alderman Curtis said
it looks as if a 25 mill tax was staring
the city in the face. Alderman Pao-
nessa remarked that the entire finan-
ces of the city might be given to the
school board and the people move
from the city The mayor brought
out the fact that for some time per-
manent paving has been desired. Park
and Myrtle streets need to be paved
and they cannot be because the city
has not the money to give the depart
ment The committee voted to table
the amendment indefinitely.
Cannot Remove Elective Officers.
The proposed change giving the
mayor the power to remove elective
and appointive officers was changed
and the word elective was stricken
out. It was the general thought that
the mayor should have the power to
remove all officers appointed by him
but he should not have the right to
remove those elected by the city. The
other part of the change, that the
common council have the power of
removal, was also discussed. 1t was
finally decided that the common coun-
Gil should have the power to remove
the elective officers. but only after
d hearing when cause shall be ex-
planned. The proposed amendment,
as changed, was then approved and
voted by the committee. 1t will be
in the charter changes.
The amendment to specify That
mem bers Of the press may attend all
meetings of all boards and commits
sions was defeated. The mayor con-
sidered it unnecessary as the privileges
of the press are already recognized.
The proposed amendment that the
number of members of the various
boards be changed was next discussed.
Alderman Curtis thought that with
smaller boards there would be more
efficiency. He thought that the poll
teal party in power should be res
ponsible 70 the government and favor
ed partisan boards. Mayor Qulgley
then paid a high tribute to the police
and fire boards and he asked that
they be left alone.
THE fire department." Mayor Quig-
lev said "is most efficient and | would
say the same Of the police depart
ment" The amendment was voted
ia bled indefi aitely.
The next petition for issuing park
bonds TO the amount of 100000 Was
brought before the committee. Mayor