The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1945-11-06
ADDRESS CLOSES
EXTENSION DRIVE
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progressive city, with true popu-
alton of some fifty thousand citi-
zens. or whether she shall retain
the ignoble stigma of an indiffer-
ent, self-satisfied community which
for the past twenty years can only
boast of a growth of some thirty
five citizens. We have been chal-
lensed! 1t is the duty and re-
sponsibility of every thinking per-
son Of our community to accept his
rightful responsibility, and, by his
affirmative vote, to demonstrate
his belief in Wilmingtons future
and his willingness to become a
part of Wilmington and share with
her his full duty as a citizen.
$50 much has been said and
written, both by the proponents
and opponents, in the past few
weeks over radio, newspapers, and
through other sources, that fur
Their comment at this time is I'M
necessary. 1t does behoove me,
however, to bring forcefully to
your attention this all-important
question: Just who is behind the
City Limits Extension Plan? Many
of Wilmington's leading citizens
in every walk Of life. Their SIN
cerity of purpose has been demon
strated on many occasions by their
unselfish service in giving both
time and effort in trying to i'm.
press upon the citizens of our
community the urgency and i'm.
portance of the extension Of our
City's limits at this time.
again. just who is back Of this
movement? Many Of Wilmington's
leading civic organizations and
business firms. They have not only
publicly declared themselves by
unanimous endorsement. but have
given much Of their time to the
fuHillment of the plan. These
firms and organizations have as
their members many citizens who
are now living outside the City Of
Wilmington and enjoying the full
advantages and opportunities made
possible by our city. The members
of these organizations are recog.
nized leaders Of their community
in every field Of commerce and
industry. Many Of our prominent
industrialists have publicly en-.
dorsed this movement, knowing
full well its Importance to our fu.
ture and their responsibility as
good citizens. These endorsements,
alone, should dispel any doubt in
the average citizens mind.
The carefully surveyed estimates,
prepared by competent experts,
and presented so often to you in
print, stating both the services to
be rendered and the costs thereof,
are verified facts, vouched for
and guaranteed by the integrity Of
your City government, and accep.
ted in full by the many hundreds
of citizens who are sponsoring the
City Extension Plan.
''To the many unfounded claims
Of the opposition, questioning the
faith and ability of Wilmington to
carry out her obligations in the
proposed extension areas, the City
Of Wilmington is in the soundest
financial condition in her history.
As a splendid indication Of the
confidence that the investing pub
lie at large has in our financial
integrity, I cite to you: The last
City Bonds sold, carried the all
time low interest rate of one ano
sixty-three one hundredths percent
In comparison with other cities Of
like size, her valuations and tax
rate are extremely favorable, anc
in many cases, are more equitable
and lower than those Of the leading
cities of North Carolina. Our per
capita bond indebtedness is small
Ter than that Of any other city in
North Carolina Of thirty thousand
population or more. AS a forcefu]
comparison, / cite to you the tax
rates and bonded indebtednesses
Of some of North Cardinals lead
ing cities:
Baskerville. with tax rate Of
$1.53 and with a gross bonded in
debtedness of $19,370, 10000 Win
ston-Salem, with tax rate of 81 al
and with a gross bonded indebted
ness Of $13,0o7, 100000 Greensboro,
with tax rate of $1.34 and with a
gross bonded indebtedness of $12,.
538, 100000 Raleigh, with a tax rate
Of $1.53 and with a gross bonded
Indebtedness of $5,003, 100000 and
your own city, Wilmington, with a
tax rate Of $1.35 and a gross bond
ed Indebtedness of only $685..
10000. We have much to be thank.
full for. These statistics speak for
themselves and are the most con.
vincing example of the excellent
financial condition Of your city.
GAS to the availability OF mate
rails and the ability of the City te
carry out her construction pro.
gram of municipal facilities in the
suburban areas, it has been EN-.
phatically stated by responsible of.
ficials that materials, labor, and
| funds necessary for such ron.
struction have been fully provided
for and that work will begin i'm.
mediately following the successful
outcome of tomorrow's election.
The entire cost of providing these
facilities will entail no burden OF
increased taxes on the citizens nj
o,,r oroco,,+ c;+1, rrl,. -.