Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1922-07-06
TAX PAYING AND TAN SPENDING. =

In the last issue of THE Bulletin the official
publication Of the New Mexico Federation of
Women's clubs, there appears under the above head
ing, an article by Mrs. Rupert F. Asplund. 1t is
well written and shows that the writer had given
the subject of taxation considerable study and is an
indication that the women, that they have the
ballot and the right to hold public office are taking
a keen interest in those things which affect the
pocketbooks of the taxpayers.
After giving outline of our public system of
public finance how and when property is assessed
and the mode of procedure in adjusting valuations,
the article continues:
"As to New Mexico's taxable wealth and re-
sources, 1t must be kept in mind that while the
state is very large in 100000 acres large
part of this consists of land belonging to the
state and nation. In all probability no more than
100000 taxable and large part of this
area is barren and nonproductive, its valuation for
taxation being very small. Ours is not a manufac-
turing state its mineral resources are not vet devel-
oped, and its agricultural possibilities are still to
be realized. Our most important industry, live
stock, has suffered in the past few years to the
extent that large concessions in valuation have had
TO be made. The year 1920 showed a total yalua-
ton for the tax purposes of $405, 900 In 1921 it
fell to 1896 600 and for 1922 our taxable prop
erty may not exceed $3.50 100000 because of the
decreased assessment of livestock and agricultural
will show different conditions and an upward trend
with resulting larger public revenues Much de-
ponds upon the election of competent assessors and
county commissioners; and it be too strongly
urged upon the women voters that they shall use
their ballots to bring into all public service the men
who will prove efficient administrators
For all state and local purposes including
schools and roads, we are spending annually more
than $1,SoO,000, of which about so per cent is
is approximately three per cent upon the value of
property owned by the taxpayer For education we
spent in 1921 $5,500,00O: for highways SO 900 900
The total bonded Indebtedness of the state the
counties, the cities and towns, and the school dis
tricts amounts to nearly 500, 100000 upon which
we must pay about 81 100000 in interest every
year and provide in the of a few years
another 100000 annually for payments upon the
principal of the debt
These sums indicate that government is big
enterprise and requires intelligent and careful man.
developed if New Mexico to continue in the course
of progress and advancement that we have laid out
In the meantime let every woman study the prob
lens of the administration of state, county and
city affairs. Let it be known that the women indi-
vdually and collectively in possession of fun
knowledge of facts and methods concerning the
raising and spending of public funds and that she
insists upon efficient administration and the
economical spending Of the peoples money. AS a
voter let her exert her utmost influence secure
the selection Of competent officials. When elected
appointed to public office let her exercise her
inherent disposition to give and receive full value
for the dollar. Let us individually and collectively
act intelligently and periodically make of New
Mexico commonwealth in which shall live to
live as in well managed household"
The Journal wishes to endorse Mrs, Aspund's
plea for the election Of competent assessors and
county commissioners. This would by means
all the ills of present taxation System. mt
it would be long step in that direction.