The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-01-02

adherence to the existing law wall justify the position of that ma jority and indicate soo the minority that the present system is not only workable but desirable.
 Financial Picture
 The financial situation of this city or any other municipality is of foremost importance. Natur- ally, we are not in Q position to talk Q great deal about the details of our financial situation because we have not had an opportunity to study them. However, I feel that we are in c sound financial condition as evidenced by tho fact that the city was able to borrow $i,250,000 about @ week ago ct the lowest rate of interest ever ob- tained by the City of Waterbury. I feel certain that the incoming Board of Finance will exercise Q conscientious and diligent super vision over the finances of tho City of Waterbury and zee to 1t that the budget, under which wo shall operate and which was pre- pared and adopted by the preced. ing administration, will be TO. ligiously adhered to. As you know, tho lol0 budget provides for . total means of financing in tho amount of 96.l5e, ,0o2.72. S4,o7e, $50 of thiS amount Is derived from revenue In the form of general property taxes. Our estimated Grand List of 9ie0, ,B00 900 is to bo taxed at Q rate of S2.6 in order to secure this item of revenue. It shall be the policy of the incom. ing board of finance to see to it that any economies that can be effected are effected and that we not only live within our budget but as well within that budget as possible. Under tho law 1t is mandatory that this budget be 70. jigiously followed and I assure you that 1t will be our constant endeavor to sec to it that any anticipated revenue Is collected and that we live not only within the Limitations regarding expendi. lures but as well within them as necessary and reasonable public service will permit, to the end that the tax-payers of this city will have the knowledge that # the events of the future permit 1t, this administration will be prl- marily concerned with the prob- lem of reducing taxes. A constant and sincere effort to practice economy Is 0 praise-worthy obs jective but 1t must be kept in mind that public service, includ. ing Improvements, maintenance costs, welfare, education, police and fire protection and any other items, cost Q great deal of money and the principal means of pay. ing for these services Is by taxa. ton. I feel, however, that most people realize that taxes arc necessary and that they do not mind paying taxes # they feel that the tax money is being economically used for legitimate purposes of government. It shall be our endeavor to have tax-pay- CTS feel that every dollar of tax money has been used economic. ally and with the thought In mind that as public ofiicials, we are merely the trustees of tho people to administer their gov- ernmental affairs for them and conduct such administration as fer as possible so as to make 1t as inexpensive as can be to tax payers and retit-payerS, regard- less of their station In life.
 Improvements
 The construction and main. tenance of our highways, includ- ing bridges and sidewalks is of prime importance in the modern community and Q program should be developed by budget makers SO that streets and sidewalks will be constructed, repaired or re- rewed as the occasion may be-. from year to year 50 that major expenditures will be spread over c period of time rather than to face the necessity or situation of spending exorbitant sums in any one year. Modern transportation present problems in connt zion with highways and bridges that makes 1t necessary that constant and orderly attention or t long range program Dc given to this question.
 Our police and fro departments render vital services to the city and should be kept on 6 very high plane. Members of these de. partmente should constantly keep In mind that the services they arc employed to render arc of cardinal importance to the peace, safety and welI-beIng Of the community.
 Our educational system is one Of our most important activities because it concerns the develop snsllt, wellskailg and future Of our children, who arc the citizens Of tomorrow and to whom We must look for peace, leadership and erz,ssuffae fsa 4fsa Aamn Ia nn11an