The people's voice., 1959-01-09

We are rich in natural resourc es
We are even richer in our creates
resource forward-looking people
Therefore, we owe it to these people
the citizens of Montana-to further
the development of our State.
Continued growth and development
of Montana is essential, if we are tc
offset initiation. We need more jobs
and more income. However, we CAM
get these without businesslike opera.
ton of state government on a SOUND
fiscal basis. Deficits and high taxes
will drive both present and future
residents away. Sound policies will
attract them and enhance our future
development. This means a favorable
economic and political climate. 1t def
nitely does not mean confiscatory
taxation. 1t means providing oppor-
tunity and not blocking those oppor-
tunities which already exist. I am
confident this kind of job can be
done. The answer is up to you.
Putting the situation more bluntly,
although not quite in rig builders
language, it boils down to three
phases. You can put into effect all
available economies of government.
You can equalize taxation towards
fairer burden in certain areas. Or,
you can just raise taxes.
am opposed to any major tax in
crease. The solution is economy COM
bined with certain tax equalization
shifts and changes. refer you to the
report of the State Board of Equali-
zation for details.
In closely scrutinizing budget re-
quests, urge you to give the fullest
consideration to those who have
shown the greatest care with the
public's tax dollar in the past.
The response to the request of the
Legislative Council, Taxation-Educa-
tion Commission and Board of Ex-
aminers for voluntary ten per cent
in spending might give you
an insight into some economy records.
There are other factors as well,
which will show whether previous ap-
~ Opi lclClOllO W elllJ DclI VI SOdGG SON-
have been handled with due
'espect for the taxpayer. These must
,e weighed carefully at a time when
axes are already high.
Your job of balancing the budget |
must be accomplished. You should |
lot stifle Montana's economy and |
for future development
through excessive taxation on either
or income. The solution to
our problem lies in cutting spending
nd enforcing economy and effici-
ncy.
EDUCATION
We all realize that our youth are
he greatest resource in the Treasure
tate. They deserve an opportunity
D have a sound education. Only in
his way can they help build an evenj
reater Montana. We often hear talk
nat tends to discredit our educational
ystem. | am proud of Montana's ele-
lentary and high schools, as we'll as
ur University system. Most Mon
anans will agree with this. We can
lways do a better job in certain
reas. but the first essential is a sound
nancial base.
There is definitely need for some
changes. One place
in our school districts. A system is
eeded which will give us school dis
lets that are economical and eff {
ent. Yet. no school should be elimi-
ated, as long is there is true need t
" it. The Office of the Superintend-
1T of Public Instruction should be t
designated as a Depart i
ent." Also, certain additional pro-
ssional help is needed. This is neces- n
ry to carry out the duties and re- I
'onsibilities which you have assigned n
e Superintendent of Public Instruc- C
IN, especially those concerned with t
n
Our school foundation program b
eds a second look. The State has r
solemn obligation to aid in support a
g our schools. However, the founda- p
IN program must be one which we W
n afford. ti
The solution to our school problems N
es not lie in constantly increasing II
is program beyond our ability to II
Y. Let us base this program on the k'
lnd principles of giving the best NJ
ssible education for every tax dol b;
that is available for education
other words, we want the best edu- tn