The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-01-24
CITY OFFICIALS
ADDRESS LEGION
Manager Osborn Tells of
Results Accomplished by
Business Methods.
HAVE BIG ATTENDANCE
w. III. Afford, Council Presi-
dent, and Other Officials
Describe Additional Phases.

The strides of progress, which have
been made by the city of Kenosha,
since efficient business methods were
applied in the city hall, were described
by city officials when they met with
the American Legion, at its regular
meeting last night, held in the Main
street club rooms. 1t was Getty gov
eminent" night at the Legion.
Arrangements were made for the
officials to speak before the meeting,
which was attended by more than $50
members, who crowded every available
corner of the room, by Jessel Whyte,
commander of the organization. This
was done in accordance with the 1924
plan of the Legion, which calls for
more intensive interest to be taken
in civic matters The most expeditions
method, it was decided, was to get the
city officials to tell the story.
C. NJ Osborn, city manager, pointed
out that under the new regime, during
the past two years, more than $780,
600 has been saved for the taxpayers,
IN the. matter of street pavement alone.
This figure, Mr.. Osborn said, was
based on the prices paid for pavement
in 1921. Since that time prices Of
material and labor have not decreased.
The drop, he said, was due to efficient
business methods, and keen competi-
ton among the contractors.
Outlines City's Program.
"a city, the same as every ether
business institution, must first of all
have a program and definite objec-
tive to work toward" he said.
"Our first step in giving the city
a sound business administration was
to get such program. Toward this
end we inquired into the needs Of the
city and found that a city plan would
be necessary for the growth of the
city.
: "Kenosha, we found was growing
rapidly, and just as every other busl-
ness organization which is charging,
this growth had to be directed for the
best interests of the city. Consequent
ly a commission was appointed to out
line the steps which were necessary
First, they gave us a major street
plan; second, a zoning ordinance, when
has since been adopted and now is
law; third, it set out a definite civic
center plan toward which to work.
"The coming law now protects every
piece of property from the encroach-
ment Of improvements which might be
detrimental to it. The civic center
plan has been adopted, and a large
amount of property has already been
purchased. and this work is being de-
veloped as rapidly as the work can
consistently be done.
Plan for Schools
Investigation also showed that the
city needed fixed plan for the build
ing of additional school facilities. Con-
seouently a citizens committee was
appointed, which presented plan
which has been adopted, and this also
is being developed as rapidly as pos
sible.
"Nor was tn city hall overlooked
Business methods, including new
system of accounting, and definite
budget system was installed, Wmch
governs the expenditures of each de-
partment, were put in force.
'Now the result of this has been
that during the past two years Keno
sha has carried out the largest I'M
provement program which the city has
ever experienced. During the past year
nine miles of standard pavements
were laid. three miles of sewer was
added to the present system, four miles
of sidewalks were put In, four and
eighth-tenths miles of water mains
were connected up. In addition ito
this the police department was in
creased, as also were the health and
fire departments. Kenosha today is in
a healthy condition and growing fast
Afford Compliments Legion.
w. II. Afford. president of the city
council declared that Kenosha need feel
no worry about entrusting her pro
gress to the men of the American
Legion who are every day, assuming
greater responsibilities in the city
government. in the shops and factor
les. They have stood the acid test of
war, and have not been found want
ing, he added.
The American Legion, he pointed
out, is one Of the most active groups
in our civic life today Patriotism Of
the members has been tested, and is
again being demonstrated by their in
terest in civic affairs. lie then ex-
planned the workings of the city com
eli, and told of the long hours that
its mombecs spend in going over the
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