American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1921-07-22
Plain Language of Statutes
Makes Officers Duties Clear

luelf dEIb at any time.
Remember that the Highway Com
m%issioners serve the District without
one cent Of salary, which by Law they
are required to do, and we are willing
to put all the cards on the sable as
you suggest and 1t is my honest i'm
preston that all the other Commits
sioners OF our County, whether of
Highway or School Districts are ready
TO do b same.
Yours truly.
"R. b. GREENWOOD,
Chairman Commissioners of High
way District No. ], Power County"
The Press Answer.
The cards" Will not all have been
placed ION the table" until the finan-
cial statements referred to in the
above quoted sections of the Idaho
| Statutes have been filed properly and
published according to law. The Press
does not question the willingness of
the various boards and commissioners
to comply with the statutes and n now
asks that his Willingness be expressed
In a bona fide manner viz: by actual
publication OF the financial state
ments as outlined in the above quot
| ed sections Of the statutes. Mr.. Green
wood has properly stated that no argu-
| ment is necessary. AL argumen is pre-
cluded by a careful reading of the
statutes.
The Press does MOI desire to enter
into cross allegations, further pursuit
OF the statutes regarding the conduct
OF the bushes of Highway Commits
sioners, alledged motives, service to
taxpayers, etc.
1t presumes however that the pub
lie is entitled to know at reasonable
Intervals, the condition of the dis
| trict which they contribute taxes. The
| fact that the books are open to inspec-
ion means nothing, for not one per-
son In a thousand is qualified TO ex-
anime a set OF books and draw a de-
finite conclusion as to their financial
meaning. That is why Certified Pub
lie Accountants draw SIS a day for
their work. The only means of ac-
quainting taxpayers with the financial
condition OF their district is through
the issuance of a balance sheet that
itemi1es, assets and liabilities. As a
further BONA fide effort IL should give
a schedule of receipts and expendi-
luItb anu inc dilOuHl VI hOlISJ VA
hand.
January 21st, 1921, Highway, Dis
trict Number One published an item
lied statement of expenditures that
was very meritorious as far as it went.
However II did not list assets and LA
bilities or show a balapce, so, as far
as the statutes go, it was in no way
a compliance with the law.
The Press stands ready to substanti
ate all implications carried in its orr
ginal editorial regarding any and all
Independent School and Highway Dis
tricts In the county, whenever its at
titude Is challenged by any particular
district. And In the case OF Highway
District Number One 1t will publish
free OF all charge, any itemized state
ment that will clearly show a bal
ance, assets, liabilities, and the dis
position made OF Federal Aid and State
Aid moneys received or due,
Officials refuse to publish state
ments, saying that they are doing Sc
for the sake of economy; but from the
mere fact that such laws have beer
adopted, the matter OF economy does
not rank in Importance with the safe.
guarding of the public funds, and the
public funds cannot be considered
s~afeguardef until officials render t
their principals and tax contributors
the statements such laws require.