The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1935-01-03
Many Speak.

Many Speak.
The chair then called on several for
expressions of opinion regarding the
matter under discussion. William Her
bert asked who composed the Montana
Taxpayers association and answered
his. own question by saying it un-
doubtedly was the three transconti-
mental railroads, the A. G. M. Co. and
other large corporations. He was OPP
posed to consolidation.
M. D. Rowland, former state sena-
tor, explained what should be done
to defeat the proposed bill when It
comes before the legislature and said,
I'VE nust stay in the organization and
fight the battle to finish"
James Blackboard, Sr., argued 1t was
a mistake to figure that Lincoln coun-
ty taxpayers would benefit by con-
solicitation. He said the expense in
travelling to Kalispell for county busi-
ness would be much more than the
average taxpayer would save He also
called attention to the economical
management Of Lincoln county bust
ness. In Lincoln county the county
levy is Il mills while in many other
counties it is as high as IS mills He
also said property valuations would de-
crease all Of 50 or rs per cent and
that he would be willing to sell his
property at rs cents on the dollar If
consolidation goes through.
Adopts Resolution Against
Consolidation.
A resolution was then proposed by
William Herbert and duly adopted 10
the effect That this body instruct our
senator and representative in the state
legislature to oppose by all honorable
means annexation of Lincoln county
to Flathead or any other county in
Montana"
Paul Church asked Superintendent
Wood how consolidation would affect
the schools Mr.. Wood replied that
school taxes are obtained from two
sources. A general high school tax is
levied over the entire county, and the
fund therefrom is apportioned among
the high schools of the county in pro-
portion to the number Of their students.
F'lathead high school, being SO much
. larger, would receive the greater part
of xhe high school tax money He said
consolidation would make real diff
ference with Lincoln county high
schools Funds for grade schools would
not be affected as such funds are raised
from each district alone.
When asked by County Commission
err Brink how many counties were rep
resented at the county consolidation
meeting in Helena, Paul Church, Local
representative, stated that Al counties
were represented and everyone OF then
was strongly opposed to forced con-
solidation.
Thinks Bill Cannot Pass,
Timothy Miller, state representative
for number of years, joined the dis
cussion by saying that consolidation
would mean much heavier taxes TO
Lincoln county people. In support Q
his contention, he cited increased cour
expenses that would follow consolida
ton; the sheriff would have to sub
poena jurors and witnesses, woult
have to travel to and from the count
seat at Kalispell great distances owe
the much enlarged new county, an
mileage costs would be much greater
Mileage costs for jurors and witnesse
would also be heavier. MFR. Mile
thought a stiff fight should be put u
against consolidation but did not thin
the proposed measure could pass tn
senate.
Would Lose County High School.
At this time it was brought out thu
Eureka would lose the county hig
school under consolidation, as there
already large county high school ;
Kalispell. Carleton Joughin remarke
that of the ITO pupils enrolled in II
Lincoln county high school, 80 al
from Eureka, leaving 80 from outlyir
districts. Under consolidation many
those would 60 to the then coun
high school at Kalispell
w. r. Kienitz remarked that fro
the standpoint of taxation he could 81
nothing but loss for any busine
man under consolidation Mr.. Blacl
Continued on page s.