The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-10-30

nave not cOlnpleCeQ bne SCCeeC Slgu project; that we have not removed the trolley tracks on North Main.
 First; the Baldwin street bridge MT. Perriello lays great stress on the fact that an appropriation for this purpose was placed in the 1940 budget. You will remember some of his other claims concerning this budget, which were so effec- lively disposed of by Comptroller Thomas Conlon In this, as in the other matters, MT. Perriello seems to consider setting 8 task for someone else to be the same as performing it himself. There is more to building bridge than writing on piece of paper the words, Baldwin Street Bridge $52,000". For this reason, during MT. Portfolios term of office, and before, no plans were prepared. ordered immediate action on the plans and other preliminary de- tails. The bridge could have been started in the middle of last year, but the Engineering and Street Departments considered that it would be inadvisable to carry this project into the winter months. It was, therefore, set down to be started and completed in 1941. This was done and the benefits of this project are now being enjoyed
 As regards the merit system, I can tell you that I have no apolo- gies to make for the appointments that have been made during my term in office. The only promise made by me was that no person would be appointed who was not thoroughly qualified. Every cit izen of Waterbury is familiar with the criticism that I have received because refused to permit poli- tical considerations to interfere with meritorious appointments. wonder if MT Perriello would have you believe that he would ignore political considerations in making appointments. He has reminded you that he was Mayor for four months. Conspicuous among his appointments were men who were and who are politically active on behalf of MT. Perriello. MT. Pas quale DeCicco was appointed as Executive Secretary. MT. Frank Varinelli was appointed an Alder man and member of the Board nf Police Commissioners. MT. George Crochiccia was appointed as As sistant Corporation Counsel. MT. Perriello may contend that these men were well qualified. He can- not contend that politics was ig- nored as Is contemplated in the merit system which he now advo- cates.
 The National Youth Administra- ton has project for installing street signs in Waterbury. It is their project, not ours. This is hardly an issue.
 Trolley Tracks
 As regards the trolley tracks on North Main, let me say that the City does not demand the tearing up of tracks except in connection with the repaving which is essen tial to the completion of the job. Let me say here that the Street Department, under MT. Scott- Smith, has been working steadily and effectively to improve the paving of our streets throughout the City and keeping within its budget while so doing. This policy will be continued and North Main Street and all other streets need- ing improvements will be placed in proper condition without increas- ing our tax burden. want to re- mind you of the criticism made of our removal of the tracks on Bank Street. It was claimed that we should have forced the trolley company to do this job. I now have a report showing that the sale of the rails shows net profit to the City of $476.1l. That would seem to dispose of that particular criticism.
 MT. Perriello went up to Bunker Hill last evening to speak to the .'esidents of that neighborhood to s,ao,,ia uuhn have lnan nrfded then1-