Detroit evening times., 1946-01-20

revenue.
The newly organized Michigan
Conference of Mayors has sent
out invitations 10 the elective
head of every city in the state 10
be present at the first meeting of
the organization in Lansing
Jan 81
The mayors Of Michigan are
waging a campaign to induce the
State Legislature TO split up
among local governments $4,000
900 OF surplus sales tax receipts
out Of total surplus OF SIT ,0O0.-
600 which is accumulating during
the current fiscal biennium.
From the states own records,
Auditor General BENJAMIN J.
fobin Of Detroit has uncovered
more than $4,000. 900 which the
Legislature has salted away out
OF the huge sales tax surpluses in
the form OF unused appropriations
for special projects.
The surpluses are still piling UP
mitch faster than The State can
find ways 10 spend the money,
according 10 Tobin's findings.
FLINT CASE TYPICAL
At the same time the plight of
MichiganS cities. from which
most Of the sales tax money flows,
is becoming increasingly des-
perate.
The case OF Flint. where schools
were closed last week because of
lack of funds 10 grant mainte-
nance employees a raise, is typical
OF many Michigan cities.
The task OF preliminary plan
ming for the new organiza tion is
in the hands Of a committee of
six appointed in Jackson last week
by Mayor Jeffries.
This steering committee con-
siSts OF Jeffries. Mayor r. c. Nc
Logan OF Flint. Mayor George w.
Welsh of Grand Rapids. Mayor
Edward F. Behan of Jackson.
Mayor Arthur J. Law of Pontiac
and Mayor B z. Godde OF Battle
Greek.
Twelve of the states largest
cities were represented AZ the
preliminary meeting in the Otsego
Hotel Wednesday
WELSH CITES HARDsHIPS
Mayor Welsh OF Grand Rapids
reminded his colleagues that the
powerful u. 6. Conference Of
Mayors was created AT a similar
gathering u years ago in-De=
troit.
In a fighting speech Welsh de-
scribed the hardShips of the over
burdened city real estate tax
payer and urged that the cities Of
the state bring the full force OF
their political strength against
the rural bloc in the Legislature.
The city dwellerS in the state
represent more than so per cent
of the states total population.
The method Of distributing state
funds which the mayors program
calls for would provide relief for
county and township governments
as well as for cities.
In this connection Mayor jeff
ries will 90 TO Lansing this week
10 attend the state meeting of
the Association of County Super
visorS in an attempt TO enlist the
support of this powerful organiza-
tion in the campaign of the cities.
Mayor Jeffries has called upon
Corporation Counsel William +.
Dowling 10 draft the legislation
which the mayors will ask 10 have
introduced in the special session
which starts Feb. 4.
RELY ON LEGISLATURE
Before the session meets city
officials throughout the state will
be busy explaining the problems
Of the municipalities 10 their state
representatives.
The record Of the last regular
session Of the Legislature shows
that Detroit's representatives
voted almost solidly 10 support
program of state assistance for
the cities. -
Mayor Jeffries hopes he can rely
on their continued support in the
special session next month.
Mayor Welsh and other outstate
mayors, anticipating insction by
the Legislature on the cities prob.
lens, favor a campaign which
would place a new formula Of sales
tax distribution directly into tho
state constitution by vote Of the
people.