The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-23
Alderman
Mayor Hayes Gives
 Answer To Critics
(Continued from Page 1.)

worst depression in history, reach ing over the entire world, such a shortage is not surprising. Tho only wonder is that, due to the
 unusual ability and industry of our tax collector, we have been able to do as we'll as we have done. Defense of The Needy.
 Perhaps our opponents would wish to go further than we have. Perhaps they would prefer to elim- mate from the proceeding anything evincing pity or sympathy and take the roofs from over the heads of the comparatively few house own CTS, who, through no fault of their own, are unable to pay their taxes
 on time. If this is the program
 which our citizens desire, it is for them to say so.
 But in making these accusations, the authors have ignored the fact that under the new charter, the taxes collected up to May 1, 1881. are applicable to this shortage.
 They ignore the fact that the re- venue from sources other than taxation has, in many items, ex- ceeded the estimated amount. They ignore, too, the fact that in 1880. the city lived within its means and collected an amount far greater than it spent. In short, they ignore any and all facts which might re- fleet credit upon our administra-
 tion. I think that the people of Waterbury are by this time sick and tired of such distortions of figures by amateur accountants to
 serve only their own purposes. l think that the average citizen IS much more interested in the fact,
 which he knows to be true, that
 under this administration, his taxes
 have been reduced, that his city's
 debt has been reduced by nearly two and one half million dollars, and that he has had officials in power who have regarded his prob lems as their own and who have
 honestly and conscientiously tried
 to do the best they could to serve the interests of the entire city. No Apologies to Offer.
 We have no apologies to offre.
 Every promise which we made be-
 fore the last election has been full
 filled. We will base our campaign
 upon this record and not upon
 vague and indefinite promises for
 the future. The road has not been
 FIRST page-Add Mayor Hayes gi
 easy and the immediate future does
 not indicate that 1t will be any
 easier. Anything which we have to
 say during the campaign will be
 said out in the open: We will not have recourse to the whisper and the innuendo which invariably follow the so-called Household
 Rallies" so favored by the oppos-
 ing party. The sweeping state- ments already made by them are
 not based upon specific remedies,
 nor have they troubled to explain
 to the people the means by which
 they will effect the immediate and
 miraculous improvements which
 they so blithely promise.
 Stands On Record.
 Our own record in office must be. and is, the platform upon
 which we seek reelection. If our administration has accomplished anything of merit, 1t is fair to as.
 sume that the people of this city
 will wish to retain 1t in office. We
 are confident that our citizens will
 SO regard 1t, and it is your duty 70
 see that the facts are placed before
 them so that they may be able.
 on october 6th. to say whether specific performance or vague
 promise will guide their choice.
 Controller I.eary Speaks.
 Controller Daniel J. Leary. in
 addressing the convention, declar- led that he is confident that the