Arizona republican., 1922-01-19
GREATER
INTEREST IN ALL
PUBLIC AFFAIRS

A plea for more general and in
telligent interest in public affairs,
more civic courage, elimination of
destructive criticism and a willing
ness on the part of the business
men to serve in public interest was
ably made yesterday by George H.
| Todd before meeting OF q large
number OF Phoenix business men at
the monthly membership meeting of
the Merchants and Manufactures
association of Phoenix.
The subject of Mr.. Todds address
was ''The Budget System In Cen
eral." He introduced the subject by
urging that citizens take more gen.
eral interest in public and civic af-
fairs as a full and safe way Of ar
irving at an intelligent conclusion in
ascertaining proper necessary
amounts for public expenditures,
which amounts must be raised by
taxation and comes from the pocket
books of the taxpayers. a
The individual business man, said
Mr.. Todd, is in a position to care
fully estimate his income possibili-
ties, and of necessity. more or less,
budgets his annual expenses. A con-
tractor, as an example, before he un.
dertakes to construct a building
analyzes thoroughly every element of
cost, budgeting all items and arriv-
ing at an estimate cost of construc-
tion before he can estimate the
complete cost OF operation. How
ever, he said. it Is more difficult to
apply the budget principle to nation,
state, county and municipal affairs,
but it can be applied more intelli-
gently if more general interest in
public affairs is taken.
The speaker cited as an example a
school board whose work came to his
attention when he was a young man.
This particular school board took
great pains in advance to make up a
careful, economical budget, ascertain
ing the number of teachers and the
salaries to be paid in each case, jan
itor and incidental costs, from which
budget the tax levy for the school
district was made. This he said, is
a good example Of how all public Of
ficials should intelligently analyze in
advance necessary costs as far as
possible. But, he stated. it is
necessary for citizens in analyzing
the situation to take a more general
interest and help, rather than indulge
in thoughtless criticism.
He also called attention to a fire.
quent lack OF civic courage and CEN
sored business men generally for not
being more willing to sacrifice time
to serve in a public capacity when
called upon to do SO.
The meeting of the association was
interesting throughout. Wallace But
ton president of the association.
called attention to the able work Of
the secretary, A. L. Uhler. and stated
that since Mr.. Uhler became secre-
the association had been increased
from 100 to 1874.
The secretary, Mr.. Uhler, then pre-
sented detailed plans for participa-
ton by Phoenix merchants in a ma
ton wide 'Pay-up Week" which has
been set throughout the country to be
the week from February 20 to 25.
There was a general discussion and
those present signified their belief
that the plans outlined were excel
lent and the officers of the associa-
tion were instructed to appoint the
proper committees to so ahead with
this campaign.
Charles Willis, when called upon
during the discussion. took occasion
to explain how thoroughly an idea
such as that could be sold as evil
denced by the fact that it was sue
cessfully done during tho Welfare
drive.
President Button announced that
the annual meeting and the election
of directors for the ensuing year will
be held on February 81 at a 6:S0
O'Clock dinner.