People's Pilot, Volume 5, Number 40, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 April 1896 — That Charter Election [ARTICLE]

That Charter Election

The seeming indifference and general apathy toward the city charter question by all classes makes it very difficult to forecast the result at the special election. The good to result from changing to a city charter will hinge largely on the enterprise and frugality of the new board of aidermen and other city officers. For the council to vote handsome salaries to all city officers which they will have it in their power to do, would increasetaxation, and be unwarranted. We have in mind an Indiana town of 3,000 population, that voted for a city charter whose council fixed the salaries of the officers as follows. Mayor, 8300; marshal 8600; clerk 8250; city attorney, 8100; council men 850 each; and treasurer a per cent allowed on taxes collected. After one year's trial this schedule was considered altogether too high, and all salaries were cut down except that of the councilmen, who having the power in theirown hands proceeded to draw 850 annually fro n the city funds. AU these points will have to be decided and it is well to consider them beforehand. There are, obviously, many advantages to be gained by living under city rule, provided that the right kind of men are elected to fill the various positions in the municipality. It is a stimulation to more and better public improvements; it doesaway with the expense of an annualelection and gives the town abetter standing abroad. Linked with all this is the fact that Rensse’aer is having a rapid growth and must sooner or later change its form of government for the protection of its citizens. i Z\.