Milford chronicle., 1929-11-08
MILFORD, FRIDAY, NOV. 8, 1925
WHAT OF THAT REFERENDUM

Town Council of Milford has set
Monday, November 25th, as the date
on which the citizens of Milford
shall decide by referendum vote
whether the Light and Water Plant
owned by the town shall be sold to
a public utility company; or whether
it shall be kept by the town. The
decision, according to the law under
which Council is holding the referen-
dunn, shall be by a property vote.
The citizens of Milford will be asked
to vote Yes or No on the question
of selling the plant. They will have
no concrete proposition placed be-
fore them as to any offer which
might be made, or the price for
which the plant and franchise shall
be sold. Once they vote to sell the
plant, should this be done, the sole
power to sell will be in the hands of
seven men-those composing the
council to be elected in January.
Only two of these men are known at
this time, they being the two hold
over members of council.
No restrictions would be placed
upon them as to the price for which
the plant shall be sold, or the length
of time for which franchise will be
given. The seven men if they so
choose can sell the plant for $780,
100000 or $1OO,OOO.OO or whatever
price at which they agree with the
buyer. It will be well for the voters
when they go to the polls to remem-
ber, that it is not alone the Light and
Water plant which they are voting
to sell, but the much more valuable
franchise, which once disposed of
will be gone for years, or forever
according to the terms made by
Council.
The voters of the Town of Dover
settled a like proposition by voting
to keep their plant, and assure their
town of power, water and light which
will be governed by the citizens of
the town, and not disinterested
public utility, whose primary pur-
pose is to make money for its stock
holders. In their decision they were
wise, for their plant this year will
show a net profit of $50,000.00, and |
this has made it possible for the
town to make necessary street i'm
provements with out borrowing |
money with which to do the work.
Milford's plant last year, according
to figures compiled by responsible
auditors, showed a profit of $685.
OO.OO-and at the same time Milford
citizens enjoyed an unusually low
rate and an absurdly low
water rate.
Another problem which will face
Milford citizens should the plant be
sold, will be that Of street lighting
and water for fire protection. The
Town pays to the Light and Water
at the present time very
moderate sums for this service; but
in our opinion, it will be made great
er should they be dealing with a pub
lie utility company.
Milford voters should approach
his proposition as a business prob
EN-. and they should not let person
,lities or animosities enter into the
leal. If the citizens feel that the
present Light and Water Commits
lion is not giving the service which
hey desire, then they can change
he Commission at the regular town
,lections and put men in office who
will do what they want. This is to ]
,e taken as no criticism Of the pres {
mt Board on the part of the Chron-
Gle. for we believe that the Board '
! functioning well and giving value !
Or the money expended; but rather |
D point out a method of changing I
he management other than selling
ne plant. /
For several years past the Light il
nd Water Commission has been b
,orking under a handicap given t
lem by Boards of former years. S
hey have done wonders in bringing fl
rder out of chaos and the plant now o
nder their supervision is just be- p
inning to give monetary returns p
hich should grow rapidly-or be is
Effected by lower electric rates for Ii
le users of current. Again we urge n
aution and careful thought on the ii
art of the voters when they ap-
-oach the selling proposition. Mil
rd cannot afford to allow the plant a
slip away from her, and be S
ought into competition with mu- T
owned plants Of nearby R
WINS. Il
This is a serious matter for all tc
operty owners to consider before tt
ting for or against selling this M
anchise. y
With a foreign owned management tn
q citizens of Milford would face b'
raj troubles to bring about any Ell
ange in local service, and this IN p'
elf is costly to the consumers OF R
hit and water. ls'