New Britain herald., 1924-01-21
THE MAYORS VETO


 tive behind the veto of the mayor of the action taken by the common coun-i cil in regard to salaries last Wednes- day night, was not 10 express disap- proyal of the increases granted. but rather 10 show his desire to recognize efficiency among clerks receiving the lowest pay and 10 indicate his dis pleasure at the manner the recom- mendations of the salary committee were received.
 Pass over the humiliation members of that salary committee must have felt because of the fact that their con scientious labors were practically dis regarded, Let the people who think nothing of this aspect of the situa- ton have their way. Look only at the practical side and forget, for the mo- ment, the deserts of city employees This leaves the only matter to be dis cusscd the wisdom or folly Of having any salary committee al all. Certainly nothing was done at the last session of the council because Of the work of that committee. Apparently the decl- sions ii made were Considered Of no importance. What use, then. for the Investigations it's members had made; what use for the hearings it had hclda
 In matters handled by all other de- partments of the city matters looked into by all other committees, the ad- vice Of those departments and those committees is needed. Due apprecia- ton Of such advice Is felt and action taken on such matter is influenced to a very great extent by the wishes and decisions of such departments and commiitrs, The common council would not think of going ahead and acting alone, needless Of tho state ments or those who had gone into l these matters thoroughly that the | needs were thus and SD. But in this matter ot salaries. merely because it is a matter Of how much certain per- ! sons should be paid, the common council mcmbers seemed to believe 1, either that they were just as good !. judges or what certain clerk should 1 receive as was the salary committee, 1, or rise some uf the members felt con- !. strained to think more Of party afi- ! liations and orders from higher up than they did or the interest Of the 1 city in seeing 10 it that salaries were fixed in such a way that true economy and justice would follow. In either case tho salary matter was approach ed in an improper way by the council. and members Of the sa lary committee. who have devoted considerable time and thought 10 each case. are justified 1. in their protests at the action taken.
 For some time the Herald has ad- vocated the creation of a continuing ! salary commission, not in any way in criticism of the present salary com mitte. but in order 10 give due im- portance t0 the work and 10 place the . commission in a position 10 have the data. year after year. that would en- able it to back up its recommendations . with information showing the history of the salary in each office. the re- suits of Increases and decreases. and . to give the needed prestige 10 the ! commission which takes care Of this . important matter. So thoroughly is it . felt that there should 1e no criticism Of the present salary committee that ii might be welI 10 appoint as the first members or this commission. the present members Of tho salary com- mfttee. their terms to expire at dif- ferent times so that there would ale ways Do experienced members ca the commission.