Milford chronicle., 1951-01-19
MILFoRD's ANNUAL TOWN MEETING

MILFORD'S ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Tonight Milford citizens will assemble
for their Annual Town Meeting at which
time those having any grievances will be
given an opportunity to present them These
meetings are worth-whiIe-if only to create
an interest in the civic affairs of our COM
munity. During the past year the Chronicle
has received dozens Of communications from
local residents, many Of them Of the 'crack-
pot category. Others have been of a con-
troversial nature. Some were meritori-
Gus. It is not the policy of the Chronicle
to use these communications promiscuously.
But tonight's meeting is the place for those
desiring to be heard to present their prob
lens.
We hear those who advocate the rebuild
ing of the electric plant will have much to
say at the meeting this evening. 1t seems
to as that now is not the time to discuss
this problem. We are clearly of the opinion
that, whether we like it or not, for all prac-
tical intents and purposes the manufacture
Of electric current by the City OF Milford is
a thing of the past. When the plant was
abandoned several years ago the beginning
of the end was in sight.
Here is a suggestion which those advO-
eating the rebuilding of the plant and those
favOring the purchase of current for resale
by the City viii not like. If the problem of
electricity is to be an annual one under the
present set-up of municipal affairs, wouldn't
it be advisable to sell the franchise to the
best responsible buyer and let the City get
completely out Of this business. This plan
will meet with immediate condemnation on
the part of many. But it does have some ad-
vantages-the first of which should be
much lower electric current rate for the City
Of Milford. A careful analysis OF the city
report just published shows that much Of
the operating revenue of the municipality
is derived directly from the sale of current
1t hardly seems right that the users of cleo
tricity should be compelled to finance this
operating charge. Should the City sell the
franchise, a heavy operating expense is i'm
mediately wiped out. The administrative
Office expenses of billing, collecting for the
electric service maintenance of electric lines
and other services directly applicable there
to will be wiped from the cost side Of our
city's operating expenses. This is some
thing that cannot be decided at one nights
meeting. But it is worth considering and a
free discussion Of the merits and demerits
Of the plan certainly is in order.
The matter of sewer extension and sewer
taxes should be "hashed out at tonight's
gathering. We have been told by scores of
citizens that they have not paid the sewer
taxes as now levied. Many say that they
have no intention of paying them. It seems
to us that some property owners have been
Disseminated against in the matter of sewer
extensions, while probable lines have been
laid to sections Of the city which just did
not justify the expenditure of city funds for
such work.
We hear some discussion en the street
corners and elsewhere to the effect that an
entire new City Council should be elected
each year. The arguments advanced would
seem to have some value. Those suggesting
such elections point to the present system
whereby it takes at least two, and sometimes
four, years to change the complexion of the
membership Of City Council. Then there is
the question of filling vacancies in Council.
Under the present set-up Council elects 8
successor to fill a vacancy This is bad from
any angle. The people Of the Second Ward
have been represented by Councilman Ben
nett for the past two years, even though he
does not live in the ward. Previous to the
Bennett controversy, custom had compelled
a councilman moving from any ward to an
other to resign. There has been much dis
cussion as to the legality of ordinances and
other action of Council on which Mr. Ben
nett has voted. This should be discussed,
and right now is the proper time to instruct
City Council and Mayor Evans to see that a
proper amendment to our City Charter is
prepared and presented to the present Cen
eral Assembly at Dover Tor correction. This
is important--it should not wait.
Now is no time to present half-cooked
and screWOal matters to Milford citizens.
There are enough sound matters of policy
which need attention. 1t is only through the
action Of you citizens that anything can be
done. Tonight you viii have your oppor-
tVnity to be heard.