Perth Amboy evening news., 1922-04-25
GETTING a BAD REPUTATION

Threats of an Injunction are heard in connection with
the proposed grade crossing elimination If the decision OIL
the Public Utility Commission does not go exactly to suit
certain parties who have interested themselves greatly in the
project. 1t is a fine thing to have citizens taking part IN
these public matters. 1t is the property owners and tax
payers who ought to be on the alert concerning every pub
lie Improvement. They have a right to be heard.
1t is a question, however, just how far one should press
ones personal ideas. 1t would seem that having put up the
best case possible, the final result should be taken with
good grace. 1t is sometimes the best policy to make the
most of a bad bargain.
Perth Amboy has a great deal of trouble getting things
done because of the numerous objections that are constantly
being raised to every proposition put forth. II is not help
ing the city. True, it would be short-sighted to let any old
thing be put over making the city the goat in every par
licular. But that does not mean that in order to protect
the city's interest there must be constant opposition with
court action before things can be done.
The request of the Standard Underground Cable Com
pany for a siding along High street is now pending In the
court, although the action in this case was taken by private
parties. The fact remains, however, that one of Perth Am.
boys greatest industries is being seriously handicapped III
its effort to expand and bring additional business to the city
More recently the Board of Aldermen have hired spe-I
cal counsel to carry the matter of the railroad sidings across
the foot of Washington street up to the supreme court on
certiorari proceedings. Here again another important in
dustry is being held up In its effort to increase It's business
and benefit Perth Amboy. This litigation, incidentally, holds
up the request of other industries in that vicinity for rail
road facilities in order that they may make their plants more
efficient and thereby successfully compete with other con
Germs in other cities where all the advantages are willingly
sgranted them.
Now comes along the matter of the elimination of the
grade crossings. This has been pending since last fall. The
city has requested numerous adjournments until it coui1
get ready, although it has been demanding the elimination
Of grade crossings for years. There are serious compiled
lions in eliminating these crossings and it is natural that
there should be a great difference of opinion as to the best
means of going about it.
If Perth Amboy had a comprehensive city plan all these
matters would have been worked out long ago and the right
thing done at the right time and in the right place. Butt
former municipal boards have not been foresighted enough
to adopt a city plan.
Now, because i. looks as if the plans to be approved BY
the Public Utility Commission would not be what some think
they ought to be the usual method of carrying it into the
courts is being talked about.
Truly, Perth Amboy makes progress under difficulties.
If the city officials and the people generally spent as
much time trying to find out ways of doing things and help
ing in their accomplishment as they do in scheming how to
prevent things being done and holding up the various pro
jects, what a wonderful city we would soon have.
Perth Amboy seems to be long on obstruction, but de-
cidedly short on construction.
Iniunctions, certiorari proceedings and litigation in
general seems to have become a habit. 1t is bad business
1t is time to get away from it. Better by far to have some
thing 'sput over once in a while than to have such a reputa-
ton as the city is rapidly attaining.
1t is time to stop bucking and do a little boosting for a
change.