The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1925-01-08
CITY OFFICERS
ARE INSTALLED
Few Changes Made in the
Council-Leibee Replac-
es Desgranges

oi the city council the business of
the old year was brought to a close
and the new officers were sworn
in office and took their respective
positions. .., ,.
AT the close Of the business meet
ing, Ex-Mayor Desgranges read his
parting paper which is printed be-
low: go @aa. r.s -
Gentlemen Of the Council:
The time has arrived when the Ia
Dor of this administration has come
to an end. As am leaving this coun-
Gil table want to take this opportun-
ity to express to you gentlemen of
the council, my sincere appreciation
of the loyal support have had from
each of you during my term in office.
believe we have established record
for harmony never before equalled
in the state. During the four years
have had the pleasure of sitting at
the head of this table, all matters
that have come before the council
have been considered on their merits
and with but single exception the
vote of this council has been unani-
nous. / can not help but feel some
regret at leaving you, as most of you
are to remain, but it will be a relief
to lay down the responsibility of the
office Of mayor.
The four years just passed have
been period of reconstruction fol.
lowing the great war and local con-
ditions have not warranted undertake
ing any great constructive program,
yet it has not been a period of doing
nothing.
When / assumed the office of may
or four years ago outlined a def
mite policy and leave the office with
a consciousness of having earnestly
and consistently pursued that policy.
Considerable strife existed among our
people at that time. Reasonable rules
of conduct were promulgated and our
people have been brought into perfect
harmony; cliques and factions have
practically disappeared. BY the reas-
enable enforcement of the curfew law,
juvenile delinquency has been reduced
to the minimum. Bootlegging, gamb-
ling and lawless women are almost
unknown, and our city has gained the
reputation Of being one of the best
regulated in the state. Much credit
for this is due to the efficient SER
vices of Chief of Police Jack Dale.
Needed improvements have received
due consideration. While we have not
played to the galleries, some progress
has nevertheless been made. Cement
walks have been laid into the Garden
Tracts; a modern irrigation system
has been installed in the First Addi-
ton; service has been improved in
the First ward; all main thorough
fares leading into the city have been
improved; substantial and artistic
cement bridge spans the canal on
Second street; the long talked Of city
park has become a reality. BY the
donation of the ground by Mr.. j. j.
Rudkin for the Northern Pacific Ir-
rigation company. and the support of
the city and civic bodies, the founda-
tion has been laid for park that will
soon be the pride of every citizen.
The unsightly surroundings at the
city jail have been converted into
park without any cost to the city.
The credit for this is due to Street
Commissioner George Crutchfield.
The fire department has been re-
organized; the superanuated equip
ment has been displaced with mo-
dern power truck; interest has been
infused into the personnel of the de-
partment and under the able direction
of Chief w. L. Marsh, Kennewick can
boast of volunteer fire department
second to none in the state.
No serious epidemics have occurred
during these years. The city's health
has been well guarded by Health Of
ficer DIR. A. G. Tullar.
Last but not least, we have operat-
ed within our means, and by demand
ing value received for every dollar
expended, we have in the four years,
succeeded in lowering the tax levy
from % to Is and three-quarters
mills.
Whatever has been accomplished
that meets with the approval of our
people, l want full share of the
credit to go to you gentlemen of the
council. ..-...
While we now sever our official