Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1922-06-03
s
FOESARE HEARD
Say New Form of Government
Would Prove Too Costly
In Township

WOODBRIDGE. June 3.-Oppon-
ents of the movement to establish
the commission form of government
in the township held a mass meet
ing here last night. The session
was well attended by persons from
practically every corner of the town
ship. Barron l.. McNulty, secretary
of the citizens committee opposed
TO the proposition, presided.
r. w. Van Ripper, of West Or
ange, was the principal speaker, his
address taking the form of a narra-
tive of the conditions prevalent in
his own city, which recently passed
referendum on the same situation
that confronts Woodbridge. Within
forty-eight hours after the passage
of the referendum, the speaker said,
there were five candidates in the
field. At present there are forty, he
continued. and by June 10, when all
petitions must be in. it is expected
that there will be representatives of
the proverbial fifty varieties"
Mr.. Van Ripper came out fatty
against the commission government,
pointing out that it gave the COM
mission absolute right to hire and
fire, as he expressed it. He con-
tended that the movement to change
to that form of municipal control
was always inspired by personal or
political grudges.
mo system has ever yet been de-
vised," the speaker continued, that
will enable the taxpayer to meet an
obligation of 100 cents with 95
in other places where commission
rule is in force. Mr.. Van Ripper
said he knew of one instance where
three commissioners lived in the
same block. He also mentioned the
fact that in case the movement is
successful the election of commits
sioners falls on the fifth Tuesday
after the passage of the referen-
dunn. In the case of Woodbridge
that would bring the election on
July II.
John E. Breckenridge. chairman
of the township committee at the
defeated before. pointed out the
cost of the innovation. He said that
any change in government was
bound to be expensive. The speaker
expressed his opinion of the impor-
tant part to be taken in the coming
election by the women of the town
ship and urged them to consider the
matter intelligently and carefully in
making their choices.
George Lufbury, one of the dis
honest committeeman" was the next
speaker. He made some facetious
remarks regarding his alleged dis
honesty and then registered his con-
viction that commission government
for Woodbridge would mean taxa
ton without representation because
1t would hardly be possible to choose
a representative body from such
large area.
Another dishonest committee
man" was DR.. j. E. Salter, VINO men.
toned the disparaging remarks that
had been directed against the pres
ent administration. He noted. how
ever. his belief that the township
would uphold its present govern
ment and said there was no need 10
heed what was being said by the
Opposition in attempting to discredit
the township committee.
General Bird w. Spencer, OF Pas
sale, scheduled to speak. was unable
70 be present owing to the inclement
weather. He sent a letter, however
that was read by ]. III. Thayer Mar
rim. Commission government was
declared to be "a snare and delu-
sion, run on the plan of you tickle
me and I'll tickle you. The letter
maintained that appointments were
made for Offices and that no depart
ment had any jurisdiction over the
other. Each commissioner was ap-
solutelv supreme. Elections are up
in the air and distribution of power
is wiped out, according to MT.
Spencer.