The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1922-05-05
FRIDAY, MAY 9Th, 1922
THE TOWN ELECTION


Judging from the results of Mon
days election in Bel Air the majority
OF citizens concurred in our editorial
OF March 31st headed, "Why Not A
Real Town Election Certainly none
can complain that the recent election
lacked enthusiasm or failed to show
where the citizens now stand on civic
matters.
Censure for lack Of life In the town s
business affairs in the past should GEN.
ter on the entire citizenship rather
than the Town Board. Now that yo-
tiers have become aroused we sincere
~ trust the new board by It's action
VIII keep up civic interest rather than
snuff II out by lack of information.
The personnel Of the Board, we believe,
however, Safeguards US against such
. condition. Not the least source of
congratulation is that precedent was
established by putting two ladies on
the Board.
Bel Air owes hearty vote Of thanks
70 the retiring board. With practical
" no one taking any interest In their
efforts these commissioners put over
some rather large and vital improve
ments and managed 10 finance the in
debtedness. As individuals they were
rood commissioners, but as a Board
they failed to meet the situation be-
cause regular public meetings were not
held. Thus we see some antagonism
arose TO their administration from
their acts Of omission rather than those
o. commission. The fact remains,
however, that the old commissioners
have rendered very distinct service
70 the community without pay, RECEIVE
Ing far more censure than praise for
their efforts. We trust that future
events win prove the wisdom of many
of their undertakings.
In reviewing the past we cannot pass
on without saying that to Mr. Harry D.
Hanway, long chairman Of the Board,
Bel Air owes most Of the credit for her
permanent Improvements. Ever a
builder In private life. Mr.. Hanway OK
tended his talent to the towns de-
velopment, and in a great measure 10
responsible for its present beauty. II
u to be hoped his broad gauge con-
gtructive knowledge may be drawn
upon for many years 10 come.
To the new Board we would suggest
that . conservative policy be followed
q least for q time until the inner
workings Of the towns business are
peffeetly familiar. We believe the
present. employees are all quite as ca
pehle as could be procured and should
Ae klven ample opportunity to continue
kheif work under little more rigid
Supervision.
Now that the burden Of maintaining
nv far the most expensive streets has
been eliminated by the state taking
hem over, and additional funds have
been made available by raising the
tx rate. Bel Airs finances shout he
{ r. better shape than heretofore. rTis
true costs Of operation have increased
over several years ago but we do not
believe this increase Is to-day in pro-
portion TO the additional regenue.
Hence Il would seem wise to formulate
. definite plan TO wipe out the towns
Indebtedness as rapidly as possible and
then proceed with permanent lmpro, G.
nfents.
In our opinion Bel Air Is one Of the
beauty spots of Maryland. No towns
natural beauty however, can Offset UNI
collected garbage or refuse. to say
nothing Of the matter ~ saaT;jttssT;;so1n..
This is~--~~<S,3en cannot ,ersiye
{oo careful consideration and will re-
qnlfe constant supervision no matter
who Il delegated to do the work. With
IA lack Of 4 sewerage system Bel Air
ronnot afford to take any chances on
4 disease epidemic.
While We know temporary repairs
nfs frequently matter Of necessity
VI helieve 1t wise when possible to
eoncentrate the available money and
make permanent improvements. A
e9'nprehensive plan should he mapped
oui however, 80 that each secl;on Of
town may come In for its proper con-
6idexAtion and improvement.
Above all things the new Commits
sieners should hold public meetings at
regular intervals. Netting will SO
quickly arouse public interest and keep
down whispered stories Of petty graft.
"a long as public funds are being ex-
pended the public Is entitled to voice
III the government
A big opportunity with sull meas.
ufe cs hardsh'ps aad criticism awaits
the new Town Boar. We sincerely
t.1ast shat Il win BE- our privilege
gar hence 10 record that they have
measured up to their duties one hun
dred percent.