New Britain herald., 1928-02-10
PMinuiM News
VOTE MANIPULATION
 AT LONG MEETING
Taxpayers Change Minds After
 AcCarthy Asks Free Speech


 ORIGINAL PLAN REJECTED Substitute Scheme of Washbu1a h
 Adoptcd-Baskethau Team Wins
 New Proposal For East Street
 Crossing-Legion Bowlcrs Win.
 An appeal by Joseph T. Mccarthy to the spirit of fair play among the voters of the town was all that saved the proposal to revalue all taxable property in Plainville from quick and overwhelming defeat when it came before an exception. ally we'll attended town meeting in the high school auditorium last night. The original plan presented by the committee of fifteen" was voted down after a lengthy argu- ment and only Mir. McCarthy's dra- matic plea for the right of free speech gave Henry S. Washburn an opportunity to offer . substitute resolution which was adopted unanimously by an audience which appeared to have been shamed.
 The meeting was of a paradoxical nature. with the voters appearing to be in a rather bewildered frame Of mind. Nearly all who spoke de- nounced the present system of property assessment as unfair and unsatisfactory. but there was oppo- sition to the adoption of a new one. There seemed to be an impression mat 'revaluatton" meant ''in- crease" and with several years of jumped assessments behind them the voters turned down the first proposal. This rejection was tech- nically on the basis that too much authority was being delegated to a small body of men. and after MT. Mccarthy had subdued those who were shouting for adjournment without further action Henry s. Washburn presented substitute plan which called for further in- vestigation and a report back to another town meeting on Monday night, February 27. This left final authority with the voters and was adopted unanimously
 Between 500 and 400 voters damned the high school auditor ium. main floor and balcony. First Selectman James Simpson called the meeting to order and Stanley s. Gwillim was named chairman Town Clerk William II. Wilson act cd as clerk
 Frank T. Wheeler reported for alc committee appointed by the select men to investigate the matter of re- valuation. He said this committee had learned that the best results could be secured with the aid of outside experts, although this should not be taken as detrimental to the conscientious work of local assessors. The appraisal companies. he said, used cards listing 90 items upon which house could be properly valued according to age. condition and construction features, these cards being good for ten years. Three bids had been made. he said, while a plan for similar work by To- cal men had been abandoned be- cause 1t would require too much time and money.
 Recommendations
 The committee recommended, MT Wheeler stated. that the selectmcn be empowered 10 appoint a commit tee of seven men, one member be- ing from the finance board and three from the board of assessors, to have full power 10 secure revalluation; that sum not to exceed s11.50o be appropriated for this work and for a fireproof container for the records: and that the selectmen and assessors be authorized to name a person to carry on this work after the apprais- al company had prepared the rec ords Howard s. Smith moved the adoption of the report.
 Caution was urged by Attorney Cornelius Prior, who said that there were two issues: the question of re- valuation and that of the kind of re- valuation. In the. former he agreed with Mir. Wheeler but he differed as to the method to be adopted. He felt that the committee should have presented more definite facts. The people should determine who is to do the revaluation. he said. and should determine the features Of the contract. not give full power 10 a small group Of men. Co slowly, he counseled, for we can't retrace cur steps" A great burst of ap- plause followed his eloquent address.
 Washburn Explains
 The method Of the appraisal com pany was then outlined by Mir. Washburn in order that the people might see just 'what the town . would get" He said 1t was qucs- ton of equality in taxation. An air map would be taken and enlarged up to 50 feet to the inch. All prop erty would then be looked up and linked in on the enlargements. A