New Britain herald., 1922-04-29

II cannot be said that Mayor Paonessn has failed to carry out ms election promise to make changes Ill City hall from roof tree 10 cellar, AL though a cleaning such as he Is max ing has been promised by other cam paigners in the past this IA the lirsl time that an elected candidate has put into execution the pledges he made when he was appealing for support at the polls. ,-..
 "Ill clean out City hall" has been the cry Of many candidates within the past few years. Such slogan ap- pealcd to the many people who are always quick to believe that man who holds political office is not bur dened with laborious tasks, and would avoid them If he were. When mayors Of other years had an opportunity 10 make wholesale changes, they hesitai- cd to do SO and usually retained an unexpect'y large number of comm's- sioners who had held over from pre- vious administrations Shaking up the municipal family Is not always conducive to better gov crnment Men who have, occupied public offices have experience in the functionng of their commissions which no amount Of application can offset Experience must be absorbed over long period Of time. When q new mayor dismisses office holders who are familiar with the duties at- tached to their post, he is putting aside a valuable asset, experience, ana leaves himself open to self-imposed risk for which he must suffer the con sequences if his big shells turn out to be duds.
 By dismissing so many commis- sioners, the mayor has deprived him self Of the counsel of some very sup- stantial citizens and business men. There are some whose services could have been retained with advantage to all concerned It is unfortunate tAat they should have been in the way when the broom began to sweep.
 There were also men in public off, fee whose removal will not even cause a ripple on the surface. They were simply appointed as payment for their efforts in behalf of past admin
  ly be noted.
 New commissioners will have this advantage-the head of the admin istration has had eleven years ex- perience in public office, all the time in intimate contact with city busi- ness. He should be able to advise and direct his subordinates so that they can avoid errors of judgment and execution and perform then duties satisfactorily.
 Deposed republican salaried officials seem to be taking their medicine gracefully, accepting their fate as inevitable and to be expected when the top side becomes the bottom and vice versa. The shock of a democratic victory numbed G. o. B. office holders for few days but eventually they realized that they would be forced to walk the plank, as disagreeable as that procedure might be. Most Of them have become reconciled to being separated from their salaries and are putting their houses in order.
 It is said that the republicans are planning counter-attack through their majority in the common counclr and it is predicted that the jubilation of the democrats is to be short lived. According to the program to be fol- lowed out, a resolution will be pre- sented in the common council callins for a reduction in the salaries of all public office holders. AS the republl- rit in ha council they will be able to pur through any legislation which their little hearts desire and will therefore make raid on democrats salaries even if they cannot control the ap-, pointments
 Some republicans are opposed to any such measure on the ground that it would show poor sportsmanshiE and lay the party open to the charge of playing cheap politics. There is another reason which might be taken into consideration, the reaction mighI be so strong-the majority of people liking to see everyone get a square deal-that it might result in demo- cratic majority in New Britain nex, fall when congressman is to be elected.
 News that ex-Mayor Curtis was to be appointed chairman of the water commission came as decided sur- prise to republicans and democrats alike. The position carries with it salary of s1,000 and is considered one of the best plums at the disposal or the mayor. Democrats became aroused