The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-01-07
LESS POLITICS ON FIRE BOARD IS
 MAYORS DESIRE
Board Splits Over Motion For Transfers And As signments - Record Of Hosemen Only Basis For Promotion, Says Mayor.

Elimination of politics and the adoption of greater economy in the hre department, was urged by May or Fred Atwater last night, at a stormy meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners. James F. Coleman newly appointed commissioner, was unanimously elected president of the board, but trouble developed when it was suggested that all transfers and assignments be madge by the com missioners upon the recommendation board split evenly on this question, and after vigorous debate the matter was left unsettled to be taken up at some future date.
 politics and more economy in the de- partment, came immediately after the election, of the new president.
 Mon Too Expensive.
 Looking over the roster of the de- partmsnt," said the mayor, 'I find positions filled by expensive men, that could be held by efficient men at less cost. A higher payroll means a falls on the small property holder, and he is the man we must please if possible
 Politics in the organization came in for some criticism when the mayor declared
 T want the men to feel that po- litical influence will have no bearing when their efficiency and records show they should be recognized. I want them to realize that they will be dealt with in a fair and square manner, and I want each hoseman to feel that his record is the basis TOT ms ad- vancement
 The mayor dwelt strongly on these points during the course of a rather lengthy talk, emphasized the fact that efficiency must continue in the de- partment, that the right men must Ego up," and concluded by stating that he was ready at all times to be consulted by any member of the board on all problems.
 Commissioners Divided.
 When the assignments and trans fers matter was brought up, and President Coleman suggested that they be approved by the board ''as a matter of form," it found the com missioners divided and ready for bat tie. Commissioners Dave and Noon an protested hotly against any change in the present system, by which trans fers and assignments are in the hands of the chief, but the suggestion met with approval from President Cole man and Commissioner J. H. Finne gan.
 Mayor Atwater was of the opinion that if a man other than Daniel F.. Johnson was chief Of the department, politics might be brought in if trans ferS and assignments were left in his hands. Commissioners Noonan and Dave, however, expressed the belief that the suggested plan might mako lTcuDle, lnJecC pOllSlcS Into the Qo- partment and lower the morale among the men.
 Controversy In the Air.
 Commissioner Finnegan made a motion that transfers and assign ments be made by the board upon the recommendation of Chief Johnson. This motion called for the resembling of the former rule whereby this mat ter was left in the hands of the chief Debate on the subject waxed warm between the supporters and opponents of the plan, but no attempt was made to place Mayor Atwater in the chair and vote on the matter. The motion was finally withdrawn, and the con- troversy left ''in the air. for future settlement.
 Committees will be appointed at the next meeting of the board, by President Coleman
 It was decided that meetings of the board will hereafter be held on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, and upon the recommendation Of Mayor Atwater, a stenographer will be present at all sessions.
 At the next meeting the board will take up the matter of the purchase of an engine which thaws out frozen hydrants. The machine has been test ed here and found to be satisfactory. It costs $500,