New Britain herald., 1924-04-01
PAONESSA ATTACKS
 REPUBLICAN CHIEFS
Says They Want to Win for Judge Klett'S Advantage

Several hundred men applsuded Mayor A. M. Paonessa, the Demo- cratic standard bearer, last night when he gave an accounting of his administration at his first open air rally at the corner of Main and East Main street, and when ne launched into an attack on Judge D. ". filling. the Republican nominee, Judge George W. Klett, Republican state central committeeman from this dis :rict, and the Republican machine.
 The mayors talk was preceded by speeches by Daniel Sullivan and AL derman Frank l.. Conion of the sixth ward. The mayor was introduced by the latter.
 "Cleaning Out'' City Hall.
 Mayor Paonessa opened his talk by asserting that he stood on the same corner two years ago and promised if elected to give the city an econom- ical administration. and to "clesn out" city hall. He felt he had &C., complished both, he said. and he was on the platform to tell of few other things accomplished during the past two years.
 The mayor said friends of his had told him that he could not clean out city hall, that when he was elected the commissioners and employees would throw their arms around him and that he would be tied up like other mayors. The speaker declared that within a few minutes from the time of his inauguration, the clean ing" process was started and it was thorough.
 Among those he fired. he said, were two men one of whom was being paid si,700 a year and the other s1,So0. These two men are now distributing Republican campaign posters. The mayor asked if Judge Alling proposed 10 install them in their old jobs and if the city was to be compelled to pay these unnecessary salaries.
 Tells of Financial Achievements.
 Mayor Paonessa next took up the tax question. He said one of the first orders of his administration was that appropriations are not to be exceeded. By keeping close watch on depart mental finances it was possible to go through the year without passing a deficiency tax, something that had not been done in ten years, and the city is also closing th. year with bal anec Of sl0o,000 on hand. he told the gathering.
 Republican leaders admit the ad- ministraton has been a success, but say there are no improvements, the speaker said. and he then went on 10 point out works done during the year, closing by saying the new budget provides st50,0oo for perma- nent improvements. This was done without Ncreasing taxes, and in fact the tax Q is lower, a condition found l " cities in the country, the mayor il.
 VIII Not Se,A State Office. s,
 Mayor PaonNRa admitted that he had made misDkes in his life, ask ing if there waS any mortal who had not erred. He declared that his big gest political mistake was his en- trance into state politics as candi. date for secretary Of state. He de- clared that in the event of his re- election he would not seek state Of fec. He told the audience that a man has enough to do to take care of the city of, New Britain without seeking higher honors.
 The speaker told his listeners that up 10 30 days ago hs had no idea of again being candidate. He said many friends, including both Demo crats and Republicans. had ap- preached him and urged him 10 run. Although it means sacrifice to him he agreed 10 be a candidate. Had he played politics instead Of looking out for the city's interests he would not have "cleancd out" Of city hall men whose jobs were left open at a saving of sS5,0o0 to the city. he would have a strong political machine today, he declared, and instead of standing on the corner appealing for votes, he could have sent his lieuten- ants. He declared he is a working mans candidate without an A. J. sloper behind him, and he appealed to the working men to support him for office. The mayor compliments Alder man J. F. Gill of the second ward and Alderman Peter J. Pajew'ski Of the fifth ward for the assistance they had given the administration and for their independence in the council. They as- sisted the Democratic alderman, r. L. Conlon. in many movements beneficial to the city, the speaker declared, but they are now autcaxts of the machine. |
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