The Clayton news. (Clayton, N.M.) 19??-1954, 1921-05-07
New Mexico Educators Opposed TO
Constitutional Budget Amendment

~ I. . lAlN AAAN anu NONlllN EAItIlll-
tendents went on record as oppos-
ing constitutional amendments pro-
Viding for a state budget and for
limitations on tax leVies. Their rca-
sons for opposing these amendments
are based upon the fear that schools
and institutions will be deprived of
revenues necessary for their proper
support This fear is not justified,
in the opinion of the Taxpayers
Association OF New Mexico, accord
ing to the Tax Review. If the bud
get amendment is studied carefully,
it will be found that it provides for
"a modified executive budget design
ed TO place responsibility upon the
executive; yet with sufficient pow
er reserved to the legislature to in
itiate appropriation bills after the
general bill has been disposed of.
Those who fear abuse of the eXeu-
tive power should also consider such
abuse is possible under our present
constitutional provisions which give
the governor power to veto what
ever items he desires to eliminate
from the general appropriation act.
The opposition to the tax limila-
tiOn act will. it is believed. disap-
pear after close consideration. 1t is
coming TO be generally accepted that
adequate and equalized assessment
and a full collection of taxes can be
brought about only through limita-
tions on the tax rate. Statutory linn
italions vary according to the need
of the legislature. Hence, the nee
essity Of constitutional limitations.
In the amendment proposed, these
limits are placed so high. as to re-
move all cause for fear as to revc-
nues even il such revenues are to
be derived only from tangible prop
erty. It is not conceivable that val
ualions will fall below present as
sessments to any material etXent.
In only two counties is the tax rate
at present above The limit fixed for
schools in the proposed amend
mcnt, and in these two it can be
shown that sufficient revenues can
be made available even with the
~ per cent school tax rate fixed
! by the proposed amendment. Even
if this were not the case there are
other revenues that can be made
available to take care of emergency
situations in counties that are up
to the limit and still lack funds for
schools. The object of the amend
menl is to fix a limit to the fax that
may he imposed upon real estate
and other tangible property. Such
! a limit will serve lO bring about a
/ full sand equitable assessment and
a one hundred per cent collection.
1t will also serve to eventually force
intangible property under the tax
burden. II is hoped that the citi-
zeus of New Mexico will consider
| these two amendments carefully,
and from every angle Such cOnsid-
Grafton it is believed will lead to the
IcOnclusiOn that these measures are
not destructive Of or detrimental to
any desirable governmental activ-
| ity. hut, on the contrary, broadly
constructive and conducive not only
to economical, but also to efficient
administration
R. d. Bergen left Tuesday for San
Francisco, California, where he will
spend several months visiting his
two sons who live in that city.
G.. II. william, Santa Fe agent at
Des Moincs was an Clayton the first
of the week and while here pur-
chased a new Cleveland Six auto
mobile from Lambert Thornton.
A. c. pad steele, GrrnviHe's
popular barber, was in Clayton Mon
day of this week, and while here
made application to make final proof
on his additional homestead entry.
Rev. NJ. p. Hines of Denton, Tex
as. arrived in Clayton this week tC
take charge of the Clayton circuit
IN. f.. Church, South. He comes wei
recommended and will Immediately
take charge of the work, visiting ihC
several churches under his charge
Rev. p. p. Oliver the retiring pas
tor, has been assigned to Canyon
City Texas.
Mr.. and Mrs. Ben Gill Mrs. Lille
Williamson, John w. Hills, r. ID
Hutchinson. Joe Coeger, Ollie Bran.
denburg IT, B. Moore, and j. T.. Bus
kirk, all Of the Amisiad country
were in Clayton Monday of this
week Mr. Buskirk was on the wa!
TO las Vegas where he attended The
head camp of the Modern WoOdmel
of America, as a delegate from hi
local camp.