The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1946-12-20
What Does Your Representative Think?

WHAT Does IOur Representative lnl1K.
Next month your elected representatives will assemble fo
6Oday session pass laws repeal existing
laws Do you know whether not YOUR representative from
intends those
connections his inclination the interests the p
veged groups the state submit that this calls for
consideration your part and definite effort your part
make that representative will work to the greatest
possible degree for the interests of the general public
There pertinent questions that you should put to
your representative before he Helena for the
Remember that while you have for the
elected he still neighbour resident of county and
perhaps even your own particular community any
you didn't democratic rights you
the losing instead of the winning candidate Nor did lose
your influence in your county and community Get together
with your neghbos and demand your representative that he
commit himself the questions at issue which deem inn
portant.
the will be coming session
the legislature the school reorganization proposal presented
bv the committee appointed by the Governor to make study
of the school system the state Should representative
favor the committees plan for reorganization perhaps
might ask him some questions about it, such as
Does he believe that sufficient study has been given to
reorganization be drawn for the state without
eeway given for adjustments to suit the conditions
obtaining in the different districts of the state?
2 Wouldn't it be better, in view Of the Importance Of the
issue and the drastic changes involved to not hasten the
sage of the legislation in the coming session. to give the people
of the state opportunity study the proposals for two
years and information before definite law is
passed?
g. If he has what he considers legitimate arguments why
the proposals should be enacted into law in the coming session.
it would be legitimate to ask him the $64 question:
How does he propose to finance the great changes in
volved?
Some other questions might also be asked of him.
l. What is his attitude toward labor? Does he think
strctve labor should be enacted by this legsatue
2. Has he given any consideration to having sicosis
declared occupaona disease and compensate through the
the Anaconda Copper mining carried
with the industrial accident board instead of those be-
coming afflicted while working the mines drawing
ton from public welfare fnds And in connection with this
protection the jobs of the workers in the mines who contract
the disease?
There heavily increased appropriations
the general public This involves of
the raising OF proporonaey more revenue Inc fo
lowing questions might be asked him:
1. What is his attitude toward sales tax?
g believe that Montana income tax rate far be-
low neghborng states high enough in face of
much additional money being required to run our state?
think that the corporations paying taxes in
proportion to individuals others?
A. Does he think after noting the profits of such corpora
tons the utilities operating in the state that they could
legitmately be required to pay increased taxes?
Does he think that increase in the taxes of the tee
phone company the Montana Power Company the railroads
other public utilities would Justify increase in the rates
they charge for service thus making then only adon Tax
collectors which position they in? In other words
could these utilities not taxes without increase
in the rates charged?
In this connection your representative might be reminded
that Company for about thirty have
paid taxes valuation about hall OF the valuation on Whc
it bases its rates for
might also be proper to inquire about his attitude toward
legislation He WILL of be aware OF the mount
ing of living So it would not be out of reason to ask
him:
ton?
2 Does he think that assistance to the aged
hans the blind and other unforunate should ncreas
ed in view of the rising costs of necessities of life?
opinion that is highly essential that and your
negbbos call YOUR representative in legislation
with him. The question suggested only few of the ones
of Importance should be asked but these few may
define his probable attitude toward other issues with
which he will be required to cope in his service
The great question is of course: VIII he represent the IN
of the general public the privileged groups? 1t Is
your duty you make him representative OF all
the people.