New Britain herald., 1921-01-22

Many residents know tfe corpora ton counsel only as a man whose ad- Vice IS sought when I resident of Berlin comes around for his annual toll because the New Britain sewer beds have polluted d stream flowing through his land. In other words, the corporation counsel is thought to be the man who guards against possible damage suits, emergency cases so to speak.
 This, it is true. is an important part of his duties. but of greater impor- tance to the city is his supervision over the drafting of ordinances. Be fore the council passes a law it con- suits with the corporation counsel. listens to his opinion and follows the course he suggests.
 The retirement from the office of corporation counsel Of James F. Cooper removes from immediate con- tact with public affairs. legal mind of large capacity and thorough de- pendability. He has graced his po- Sition for many years with dignity and an ability that places him in the ranks of the very highest type of legal advisors in New England In every respect he has been true to himself. his profession and the people with whose security and happiness he has been so intimately connected.
 Judge Coopcrs success in wording New Britain ordinances is reflected in the records of the courts where the legality of our local laws is so challenged that wonder and interest are evoked when such a challenge occurs. Drafting ordi- nances is q delicate task. requiring, besides legal skill, a broad knowledge of human nature agd sympathy with the viewpoint of those whose lives are governed by the ordinances In faithfully interpreting the wishes Of the common council with respect to laws. and at the same time guard ing against lrospassing on human rights, JudF" Cooper eNcellcd He was responsible for the wording of most Of the ordinances passed within recent years. which stand as re- hinder of his deep interest in the city which he has helped to huiId,
 Appointment of George w. Klett as judg" of city and police courts brings about the retirement from politics of one of the most prominent figures in the republican party. It is not con- sidcrcd good ethics for anyone occu- pying judgeship to minglc in poli- tiCs at least actively. and it is as sumcd that Judge klett will adopt this course.
 For many years Judge Nlett has been active in republican, affairs and many think h" should now bc lieu tenant governor Of tho state. He has been Chairman Of the republican town and has taken an active part in third ward affairs. He was lt one time judge of the court of probate. His most recent office was IS senator from this district In that position he held stations Of great re- including chairmanship of the committee on judiciary and cader of his party in the upper house.
 Judge Elett is well equipped by eX- 1nriencC to render good account of himself in his new post IIc is thor OuEhly familiar with the law in all It's phases and through his thousands of appearances in court will be per 'ectly at home sitting on the dais.
 Friends of Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Joseph c. Woods arc dis pleased because Inc was not promoted 10 take Judge kletts place. They feel that in the natural course of events Attorney Woods should have been elevated to tho vacancy. found, ing their arguments that he has had active practice in prosecuting casc@ peculiar to police court and that Inc was entitled to promotion.
 Attorney Woods has been entrusted with the prosecution Of many com plaints during the absence or illness