Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-07-11
PERTH AMBoY's FINE SHOWING

Perth Amboy has been getting some very favorable pubnclly
as a result of the recent report of the federal census bureau re-
garding municipal finances in New Jersey. The New York Trib-
une published the following editorial showing how favorably
Perth AmbOy compared with other cities in this state:
president Hardngis recent reminder that states and munich
paHties are more responsible than the federal government for the
burden of taxation receives apt confirmation in Census Bureau
reports of the finances of some New Jersey cities. Of the various
municipalities reported Perth Amboy appears to have the lowest
cost of government, the lowest taxes and the smallest debt. Yet
it lays greater burdens upon its citizens than does the government
at Washington.
eff we reckon federal taxation to comprise all the customs
duties-though they are by no means all a tax upon this nation
the income and profit taxes and all the miscellaneous internal
revenue, We have a per capita levy of $324O. In Perth Amboy
the levy of city, county and state taxation is 1868 per capita.
"The case is similar as to debts. Perth Amboy has not en-
gaged in any especially costly public works. Yet in 1917, the
last year before the World War turned national finances topsy
turvy, that city had a per capita indebtedness of $5662, while that
of the United States was only 1884, or less than one-thrd as
~lufh. In 1922 the war had sweled the national debt to $20677
capita; while that of Perth Amboy, with no such excuse, had
! to $92Os, an increase of nearly twothirds in five years.
Again, from 1917 to 1922, the cost of government of Perth
boy increased by nearly so per cent. That was the smallest
rease reported from any New Jersey city, others going up to
per cent. and more. As for the taxes on property in Perth
4mboy, from 1914 to 1917 they increased 1857 per cent, and from
1917 to 1922 no less than 1882 per cent. There was no such in
crease in property values.
Now the federal government shows a handsome yearly sur
plus and a substantial reduction of the national debt, and there is
a rational prospect of tax reduction, while in Perth Amboy debt
and taxes are both increasing. When we consider that Perth
Amboy is representative of thousands of municipalities in which
similar conditions exist, the real source of tax burdens is evident. ="
1t must be acknowledged, however, that the figures showing
the financial standing of this city were obtained before the Iegis.
lature passed the bill last winter permitting Perth Amboy to ex-l
coed the debt limit in order to built new sewer system made neces-
sary by the grade crossing elimination. But even with this in
consideration, the showing made by the city is excellent. It's
prestige S greatly enhanced. But because of this showing there is
no reason for the city to spend recklessly. A little while ago it'll
was hardly possible to find enough money to finance a much needed
school building. Now, this school is not only provided for, but a
new fire alarm system is being installed, more motor fire apparatus
are being bought, a building is being erected for the electrical de-
partment, and the streets are being repaired.
Iii to be hoped that the next thing tackled will be the elimin-l
alton of the sewers along the river front and the establishment
there of a municipal bathing beach with a park and recreation
center for the people. The gas works property ought to be bought
and added to the city's possessions. The whole waterfront in that
section ought to be one immense playground. There is nothing
that would mean more to the people than such a development.