New Britain herald., 1929-05-16
Sweeping Improvement. Advocated s In Mayor Paonessa'. ah Message
 Analyzin Community Conditions
Annexation of Kensngton and Maple Hill Recommend ed-Future Need of Airport and Golf Course x Elimination of Grade Crossngs-
 Cut in Council Membership.

" Reviewing with a tone of satiafac- ton the work of city departments during the past year and recom- mending important projects for execution in this and years to fol- low, Mayor Paonessa last night read is: nth annual message to the com- mon council
 . The statement covered more than . score of topics. and recommended appointment of several committees to work with the common council in, carrying out projected improve ments.
 Construction of golf course was conceded to be a wise move, but opinion was expressed that it's financing must be by means other than direct taxation. Utilization Of the A. w. Stanley tract for a golf course was proposed.
 Appropriations of funds with which to afford work for the unem- ployed was recommended whenever industrial conditions create the need and the financial condition of the city warrants such procedure.
 Toward the close of the message. the mayor took notice of the prac- tice of some common council meni- bers of publicly airing their views on, municipal matters without be- coming fully informed, and he di- rected criticism at this practice, urS- ing that it be discontinued. particu- larly with regard to matters bearing upon the development of water sources.
 The Message
 The mayors message follows
 Members of the Common Coun-
 Tn conformity with provisions or the city charter. I am submitting to you. my annual message, reporting financial conditions of our munich pal government and making recom- mendations for the ensuing year.
 Increased Tax Rate
 Taxpayers and property owners are, of course, deeply interested in the tax rate. Those of us who are elected to public office do our ut- most to avoid increases in the rate, but there are times when an in- crease is unavoidable. if we are to keen the citys interests at heart. We expect numerous improvements this year, extending into all sections of the city. These entail expense naturally, and have contributed 10 the higher rate. It must be re- membered, too, that there is very large amount in the uncollected tax account. receipt of which would have made It possible to effect . re- auction. It was the majority opinion of the common council this year that an Increased rate is to be preferred when the alternative is neglect or highways and curtailment Of neces- sary work. I am confident that the hxnents which will accrue through hi1her rate will h1A stprd ot
 isfaction to the ta1pAxsO sedn ealy, and that your decision VII Ih endSrsed..
 "The. northern section of the GUY iii in future years. present a more troublesome problem Of schooi ae, c1mmodatiops than at present. ana ! vfsh to state that am in favor or skaps looking to the relief or tne Xaricts north of the railroad cross ever. .. .,.The schools of the northern dis- trc. are crowded for the most part We also have classes on part-ui'.' | condition which should not pc ai- lkwed to continue any longer. :. ...Construction of an addition tc the senior high school will continue ta concentrate secondary school ac' oemmodations in the southern eA' teemity of the city. This IS not sat tkactory treatment of the hisn .rhoo, problem. Our developmeh, ts. and will continue to be. north o' tHe railroad crossover. particularly IT the northwest.
 "While we must admit Of the r<ce.sity of extending our educa tfonal system. we must also De care fnl to avoid dangerous approach u tAe limit of our bonding possibili tiex Every citizen and taxpaye' sAould make study Of munlcipa Arances I feel sure that the mum her of those who are acquainte' ,1,th the amount we pay daily o' ar bonded, indebtedness is put traction of the number who ins's fpon costly improvements and grea e1penditures of the city's money. : oomparison of city debts will shoS New Britain to stand high in the lis o& municipalities of our size.
 ,sI regret to report to you that th legislature has not given it's approNa tA the suggestion forwarded by th charter revision committee and you honora ble body for a referendum O. special appropriations in excess Q SfO.OOo. Such regulation woul have given a very desirable check o appropriations. l am hopeful tha shme future assembly will see fit | enact such a statute.
 Semj- Annual Tax Collections
 ssI wish to state that my exper, eace in the office of mayor. coVerin aA period of five years. has strength ef,ed my belief in the system 2 s2mi-annual collection of taxes
 t''Such a plan is strictly in keer iAe with modern business procedure K is my conviction that it would b q great benefit both to the tax col lector and to the taxpayer, and haN ile been given fair trial, would h e6dorsed by both. It can readily ! seen that it would tighten the bui den on the taxpayer and would sa> tie city the interest now paid O fvfds with which to conduct th government while awaiting the ar