Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-11-09


problems confronting him: but the
country assessor should, to the. very
list of his ability. become thorough
ly acquainted with the conditions In
his particular locality.
"Any assessor to really arrive at
&C uitable taxation should be up-to-
date, alive and progressive. He
should have good idea Of real es-
tate in his territory, should know
livestock. motor vehicles, mercantile
stocks: in short, he should make an
intensive stpdy Of the many angles
in his particular community.
There are three rules to bear in
mind as you approach your work:
!. Be better prepared as an asses
sor; have some system; inform
yourself to the best Of your ability;
BE- big enough for your job. 2. BE
Itch or poor; use your own good
judgement and place your valua-
Ions throughout on the same just
ratio. 3. Play fair with the State
Board of Assessors"
Arthur L. Jones
Arthur L. Jones. town treasurer Of
Old Orchard. in discussing the sub
ject valuation and Taxation Of
Summer Resident Property declared
that most people. summer residents
and others, are willing to bear their
share Of taxation, if they see care
full expenditures and required, per-
manent improvements made, and If
they are convinced that they are as
sessed justly, as compared with 9TH
er citizens.
does not refer solely to male tax
payers, but also to the women, who
own much property and control
large business establishments in this
state" continued Mr.. Jones.
women are vitality interested in
matters of valuation and taxation,
and it is a good plan to have the
benefit of their services as assessors,
as we'll as in so many other official
positions.
"As a rule, summer resident tax
payers are sensible, good natured
and accomplishing. regarding their
assessments, judging by my expert
ence with them, but of course there
are numerous exceptions.
Under valuation of property must
make higher rates of taxation, which
are opposed by prospective purchas-
ers. and thus it happens that large
| number, who would be desirable adj
ditions to our population, decide not
to invest their money here. and the
resorts which are widely distributed
| throughout the 16 counties, feel the
| bad effects of the system, as do all
| the areas of Maine.
"Strangers who come from locali-
ties where full, or nearly full valua-
! ton is the method pursued, expect to
. find the same plan in force here; and
when they inquire as to the pieces Of
property, and discover that the own
err sets valuation upon it several
| times greater than the assessors have
done, then there arises some suspi-
cion as to the honesty of the owner.
or doubt uncertainty regarding the
ability and knowledge of the asses
sors. Good sales have been prevent
ed or delayed on this account.
Therefore, with actual, real true
worth as the criterion of valuation,
whether of the property of summer
residents, or of permanent residents,
the assessors everywhere may be
sure that they are fairly and honestly
performing their duties to the State.
counties, cities, and towns. IN fact
to all citizens. whether they are of
| Maine, or from other states or ma
| tons.
"NOt being an assessor, but having
! the office of town treasurer, which
may be less eXacting. ! ass arduous
and more congenial position, l think
that l am right in asserting that as
SCISSORS are too often not recompens-
Cd sufficiently for their highly valu-
able services. in behalf of their COM
munities. Many per Ons well quail
! fed for this great work are unable TO
make the financial sacrifice that is
necessary. | believe that it would be
a profitable investment to employ
full -time, properly paid officials in
| the assessing departments of many
| OF the cities and towns of Maine.
The results certainly should justify
the increased outlay.
/ assessing Of property requires
good judgement, through investiGa-
ton and fearlessness. Familiarity
with all sections and conditions of
the municipality and correct know
ledge of the worth of the various
kinds of taxable property re essen
tial"
JUDGE Mathew Mccarthy
81 realize that taxes arc as ncces-
,,f h1nnI
the human system, and as govern
ment becomes more complex, the cost
of its maintenance must necessarily
increase" said Judge Mccarthy.
and if I know the people of the
State of Maine, they stand Cnitedly
behind the government in the wise
and economical expenditure Of re-
venue fer worthy purposes"
what some people find fault about.
and with mighty good reason is not
so much on account of the money
expended for public purposes as the
way it is collected. There is a vast
amount of property by virtue of its
nature which escapes taxation en-
tirely.
"This brings us directly TO a brief
consideration of what is known as
intangible property. 1t seems quite
evident that but small part of the
intangible property of the State is
taxed at all. and where it is taxed,
the rate is SO exorbitant as to mean
practically confiscation. A constitu-
tional amendment gives the legisla-
ture the mower to levy a tax upon