People's Pilot, Volume 5, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 March 1896 — Mr. Thompson’s Position. [ARTICLE]

Mr. Thompson’s Position.

As my reference to a portion of the law touching the mutual relations of the people of the county, the board of commissioners and the building of a new court house published in the Pilot a fortnight ago has been made the basis of an unfounded rumor that I wanted to see a law suit over the building of the new court house, by your leave I will add a few words concerning what I think is a public question. I am in favor of building a new court house, the very best structure that we can get for the very least cost, within the one per cent limit to be paid for by the sale of bonds of small denomination, maturing one-fifti-eth each year for fifty years. I am now as ever opposed to litigation, and have refused offered employment, in. this behalf.

The presumption of innocence compels me to take it for granted that each member of the board, and all its advisers are trying to do their best to observe both law, and equity with all due economy. The county board is referred to in the constitution as having only such powers as the statute may give. See 160 R. S. 1»81. The statute provides that all business, and especially all orders in respect to county property shall be made in the court house, at public meetings, with open doors, in presence of the sheriff, auditor and all that desire to hear and be heard concerning the matter. Sec. 5745 and 5747 R. S. 1881. The board has power to order a new court house to be built, but there are specific restrictions on the secret exercise of this power without “Public inspection, and advisory conference” with “The people of the county.” Secs. 4243 and 4244, R S. 1881. The words of the Legislature, “Open to inspection of the people of the county,” and “open to public inspection” means at least that such questions should be debated in by open session those who have to pay principal and interest on the bonds sold to procure money to build the new court house. The people (of whom lam one) are entitled to hear, and be heard in this matter before unchangable action is taken by their official servants; and I would like to see the board ap-‘ point at least six public sessions in the old court room while it lasts, or in its subsitute, so that the tax payers of the county may hear the evidence and arguments pro and con forming the basis for the board to determine: Ist. Whether a new court house ought to be built at the present time. On that question I would take the affirmative, for we need a better structure for the safety of our records. This question may be res-judicata.

2nd. What dimensions and conveniences should the structure provide. I think that we ought to have not only a Court room but a room for a library, a museum, a farmers society, offices for each county official, jury rooms, witness and consultation rooms, etc., all heated by steam from without the building. This I presume is still open for suggestions and consideration. 3rd. To determine who should build, and superintend construction. I favor leaving the question of the specific material to be used open until the time for letting the contract. This would prevent combinations and get us a better and cheaper structure. For instance there are many stone quarries each producing good stone, and if the contractors specify different prices for different stone, the board can then decide with more economy. 4th. To determine the denomination, maturity and interest for the bonds to be issued. I would favor small bonds, one fiftieth maturing each year with annual interest at no.- exceeding six per cent. The taxes would thus never exceed .06 of one per cent to pay interest and .02 of one per cent to pay principal. Sections 5753 and 5754 R. S. 1881. sth. To sell the bonds. The purchase of the bonds should be open to all the tax payers who may wish to invest. Sell the one year bonds first, and progress until all are sold. 6th. To determine whether the work contracted for is completed. As the members of the board cannot legally receive! any pay except while in attendance on public meetings in the court

house while we have one, I presume that even from self interest all their steps will be taken without attempting any secret or snap judgment. Sec. 7926 R. j S. 1894. The statute on its face! seems to forbid the employment of any one to perform any duty for the county to be paid by percentage. R. S. 1881, cec. 5766. A contract to pay an architect a per cent of the cost is one step toward getting the poorest edifice at the greatest cost. By bearing all the facts presented in open session, and refusing to consult in private with any architect before he is employed, with any contractor before he bids, with any agent for material before adoption, or with any person in private, no suspicion could arise that would shake the presumption of honesty in any member of the board, their advisers or employees. Our juries are wisely protected from all evidence and argument not presented in open court. No one can tell the motive of private advice, as to facts or law concerning public affairs. In a matter of such public concern / all the people of the county “should be let in on the ground floor” and nothing kept back from them. This matter has been talked of for several months, and I for one would like to know when and where each of the vital steps are to be considered and determined upon the weight of the evidence and argument adduced in open session before the board, I heard one of our oldest citizens put it in this way, “If my neighbor should order an article manufactured for me, for which I was to pay the price asked, I would expect to be consulted as to what it was, and what it was to cost.” Simon P. Thompson.