South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-02-28
FINANCING 4 CITY.


The request OF Mayor seebirt for bond issue Of
500 600 could have been made only after every
other possible means Of keeping the city government
functioninE had been canvassed.
His troubles were inherited for ne has had no
opportunities TO rut forward plan OF his own which
would call for complete program Of both tax
raising and tax spending. He limited 20 the
spending Of what cash he found
The fac. that bond issue is necessary TO pay
running expenses is about severe indictment
az could be made OF any city government
10 city can afford to run debt for the purpose
Of paying its upkeep any more than any family can
afford 90 borrow money 20 keep up its scale OF
living.
when family runs short OF cash it does one Of
two things. If # expects toSreuain a family It
either cuts down It's expenses to n its income or It
earns more money
Mortgagng the old homestead to pay for gasoline
has never had but one result and that result is dis
astcr
The figures presented by the mayor illuminat-
iug They show that in the past FIVE years the run
ming expenses of city government has exceeded its
revenues from taxation by approximately $500 900.
That means that the city had been run either too
extensively IT has been dishonesty by giving
the people OF this city more than they were paying
for.
The chances are that political considerations have
led former administrations into excuses OF expendi
turo and hope OF political power impeled them to
keep situation reflected in tax bills. from
the people.
As a consequence. the statements OF the mayor
shows that he cannot possibly the current bills
FOR police IRE and health protection. with upk@e9
Of streets. unless this city becomes borrower.
The truth is that the city behind its rent and
grocery bills and has way Of setting the money by
t,rxes for the present year
is quite easy TO understand the influences which
brought this about even after taking into conidera-
ton some Of the troubles that came with increased
during times.
,Vhe present city government and all other city
governments With mayor and council form, Is po-
Htcu and partisan COVE. stnent.
Il thinks Of government in terms Of politics in
stead OF IN terms OF service.
To help along the state and national organizations
OF the party in power it wants KEEP the pay roll
as large as possible.
To prevent an outcry from the taxpayer it must
keep down the levy and so the temptation is to hide
the real costs OF government as long possible and
then get the money by pledging the future.
The remedy for such a situation lies in a COM
mission form Of government which is divorced en-
trey from partisan politics
Running city is primarily a business not party
issue. They must support police force and utl-
tiles. They must support police force and fire
department--in reality the watchmen personal
They want health department, lights gar
bage disposal
This business has by tradition been turned over
political parties who desire the jobs and the pres
tige that goes with power
a commission government free from the ursings
Of party bosses or leaders. free from the influence
Of The Job hunter and free be honest with the
people serves could plan the city business just as
officers of a big corporation Plan its affairs.
ANY business that borrowed money to pay its pri-
The hands Of receiver.
The bonded Indebtedness a pledge upon the
future. should be used only for permanent improve
To should he used only for things which in
crease the capital value of the city.
so city should he put the position Of mortgag-
ms IT'S future 10 pay its current cost.
The COURSE which the mayor has taken to solve
Ei- present dilemma may be the only solution II is
probably necessary issue this time unless there
he upon the pay rolls such excess Of employees as 20
make POSSIBLE a reduction to the size OF the pocket
book.
II it be taken for granted that the present admin
istration is dong ali that the way OF econ
omy, this bond issue should be a every citizen
20 throw or a system OF government that produces
such a situation.
Commission government designed TO run the city
ON "a business instead Of political basis becomes
NOT only desirable but necessary. when such bond
issues are common instead OF unusual