The Copper Era

COUNTY AFFAIRS.

Mr. Clark Takes Exceptions to the Era's Editorial on County Affairs.

Solomonville Ariz. May 1st 1904.
Editor Copper Era

I have just read from the last issue of your paper, an editorial relative to county indebtedness, increased valuation of taxable property, county government, etc. Being absolutely certain, in my own mind, that no one connected with your paper would willfully attempt to mislead its readers, therefore I must conclude that the writer of the article above referred to must have labored under a misapprehension of the true state of affairs. It is not my intention or desire to criticise the utterance of any one advocating a reform in our county government, but I do desire that our county papers, who should, and I trust do occupy the position of "watch dogs" for the tax-payers, be fully advised in matters upon which they are presumed to give information to the public. Now there has been a great deal said of late, in reference to the county's floating indebtedness of which you make mention. It is clear to my mind that the prevailing opinion is that this indebtedness is on the increase, when as a matter of fact, the records of the board of supervisors show that this indebtedness was reduced during the year 1903, in round numbers fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000), and would have been further reduced to an almost insignificant sum, had it not been for the unexpected and unprecedented expensive term of court of last October, the demands allowed by the board for this quarter aggregating twenty-seven thousand dollars ($27,000), or 37 per cent. of the total amount allowed during the year. I maintain, however, that neither the county officials nor the tax-payers are to blame for the enormous expense of criminal prosecution; nor do I apprehend that any tax-payer will complain if the county funds be expended for this purpose, provided that the expenditure is made in a judicious manner. I take it that our citizens pay taxes with the expectation of receiving the benefit derived from the enforcement of our criminal laws, and in my judgment have just cause for complaint if they do not receive the benefit expected.

It is true that the valuation of our taxable property has increased annually, and it is also true that our population has increased in proportion thereto. Increase in population necessarily demands the outlay of an increased amount of money for the maintenance of the county government.

First-New school districts are created, and the old ones become more expensive as the attendance increase.

Second-New public roads are established and maintained, and the demand for the bettering of the condition of the old ones become more urgent.

Third-We have a statutory provision which provides that as our wealth and population increases so shall the salaries of our county officials; this, however, has reached the limit under our present laws.

Fourth - Increase in the cost of criminal prosecution necessarily follows an increase in population. By comparison of the years 1902 and 1903, I find that the amount expended for this purpose in the year 1903 was eight thousand dollars ($8000) in excess of that expended for the same purpose in the year 1902.

Thus it can be plainly seen that as our population increases, so does our expenses. Trusting that you and the readers of your valuable paper will appreciate the motive that prompted this communication, I am,

Very truly,
BEN R. CLARK.
Clerk of Board Supervisors.