Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-01-22
"A Public Forum on Bond Issues

Do Brownsville citizens desire to vote bonds for
additional street paving, storm and sanitary sewer ex-
tension. incinerator. water filter, and other needs Of
the city?
the program Of improvement upon which great pro-
grcss has been made the past year; others are advo-
eating . halt or at least a brief respite.
Apparently it is the consensus that a municipal
airport is very essential, and that a vast majority Of
taxpayers are in favor Of immediate financing Of this
project.
At the meeting of the city commission Friday,
Mayor Cole made the suggestion that the will Of the
taxpayers be ascertsined before action on proposed
bond issues, other than for financing the airport, be
taken. He suggested a forum meeting, to be called by
the chamber Of commerce for Monday night, at which
every phase Of the various propositions be opened for
discussion and that every taxpayer be given the oppor-
tunity to present his views, either for or against adj
ditional bonds. This plan met the unanimous APPROX
al Of the city commissions; the chamber Of commerce
has issued the call for the mass meeting, and it is the
duty Of every taxpayer to be present and prepared to
participate.
The plan outlined by Mayor Cole deserves COM
mendation. II it is the desire Of the taxpayers that a
brief respite be called in the improvement program,
no effort should be made to push the program; how
ever. IL in the opinion Of the majority the program
should be carried on and extended, it is obviously the
duty of the city commission to Immediately call the
election on various propositions. The place to thresh
out these questions is in a public forum, such as Mayor
Cole recommended and which received the endorsement
Of the city commission. They take the view that II
there is any division Of opinion they should be fully
informed and should act in accordance with the ex-
pressed will Of the taxpayers.
In past bond elections there has been very little
division Of opinion, as shown by the election returns.
Az n result of the substantial majorities the city OF
Brownsville has profited in the sale of its bonds The
bond buyers had merely to glance at the election re-
turns to understand the full extent Of the support
given the city commission in their efforts to put over
an Improvement program of tremendous value to the
city.
I. Is generally understood that the airport propo-
x;tion Il 70 be submitted at an election; that it is vir-
tually assured almost unanimous support from the tax
psvers. and that the major question TO come before
the meeting will be that Of submitting the other pro-
positions at the same time. The question is one which
should be carefully considered and thoroughly dis
cus.ed. and IT, in the opinion Of the majority, it is to
the citvs interest to issue additional bonds for con-
tiruation of the improvement program, the minority
should accent the decision and aid in giving the pro-
nosed bond issues a majority vote that viii assure the
MAXIMUM price when the bonds are placed on the mar
ket-
The subjects to be discussed at the mass meeting
= Of vital Importance to the taxpayers. II any OF
than have grievances the mass meeting is the place
where they should be aired. From the meeting should
arise a perfect understanding, a complete clearing
awav of any obstacles to civic progress and the crea-
.;on Of a closer bond of cooperation among the varied
interests.