The coastland times. [volume] (Mnateo [i.e. Manteo], N.C.) 1947-1959, 1959-02-13

money, anu III SHOrt, CndC tney
were grossly dissatisfied at the
way things had been going for a
long time.
Out of my experience in public
affairs and from knowledge gain
ed, could call your attention now
to many things that cry for cor
rection. It would take many days
to mention all the changes in
methods, and the improvements
that might, with profit be inau-
gurated. But in view of the several
items now urgently before us, our
time might be better spent in solv-
ing such problems as immediate
aid for the schools, and early
plans for effective budget control.
Regardless of our intelligence, we
cannot readily assimilate so vast
and complex an amount of infor-
nation in a short time. 1t will be
better to have it unfolded to us
as we go along from meeting to
meeting in the next few months,
and when we have seen the situa-
tions face to face, they will not
only be better understood, but So
buttons may be revealed at the
same time. l shall not be one to
tell you what you ought, or ought
not to do; l might not be right if
l tried, for my experience has
taught me there are many things
/ don't know. We may expect in
the progress of these meetings to
turn up many situations not any
of us know about at this time. Yet
1 am completely confident that
through studious and fair deliber-
alton by all of US, we can, through
unselfish planning find solutions
that will be proper and eqitable
for our county.
We may gain considerable in
formation if we will review re-
ports of the various county offices
for say, six months period prior
to our coming on the scene.
hope we can have all these re-
ports brought to us for study at
an early meeting. We may find
ways to help other officials do a
better job. The law requires sew
eral of the county officers to make
monthly report to this Board.
The reports should show all the
activities of their offices, the
amount of funds handled, collect
ed, or spent, as the case may be.
Some of these officials are the
Sheriff, Tax Collector, Register of
Deeds, Clerk of the Court, County
Accountant, Tax Supervisor and
others. This is the principal re-
quest shall make; that you care
fully study these reports and ac-
quaint yourselves with the stu
alton.
Changes Will Be Necessary
We will doubtless find some
early changes in methods and in
personnel necessary before we can
accomplish the purpose for which
the people chose US by so over
whelming a majority. l believe this
will soon become manifest. l be-
lieve we will find some offices
over-staffed and some personnel
overpaid, ability and production
considered. / believe we will find
as businessmen, that in some in
stances it will be in the county's
best interest to dispense with some
employees in order to expedite our
task. When such course becomes
apparent to US, we may expect to
meet resistance, for whenever it
is necessary to consider the peo-
pies interests first, you will find
persons involved will resist
changes that may remove them
from a good thing or a soft snap.
1t is our decision alone if the
change is for the county's good.
Will it save the county money?
Will it make for more efficient
government? Will it better serve
the people who foot the bills?
We will find in some cases work
several months behind schedule at
considerable extra cost to the peo-
pie. This is due to bad planning or
inefficiency, but in either case the
taxpayers are the losers. 1t is our
duty to correct these things, when
we can. In one instance, we are
blocked, for we find ourselves in
an unfortunate position because of
an incomplete appraisal job which
cost a terrific price and caused
lot of trouble, and we are without
time, funds or legal authority to
adjust it equitably now.
The laws of North Carolina en-
power US to take taxes from the
people whom we are here to serve.
/ hope we will always bear in
mind that this money comes from
all the people, those who live and
vote here, and those we have in
vited here to visit us and to in
vest their money, and who by their
investment, have provided means
whereby many of us make a liv-
ing. The law does not give us the
right to soak one group and favor
another. We have no right to be-