CIVIC CANDIDATES

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 144, 14 March 1931, Page 6

CIVIC CANDIDATES

Prudence & Judgment SELECTING THE BEST. Plea for Co-operation "The Wellington Civic League has, since its inception, taken part in the municipal elections, and is again doing so this year,” stated the president of the league, Mr. J. H. Whittaker, to “The Dominion” yesterday. “That it has, on the whole, been fairly successful in its work, is evidenced by the fact that in all these elections its recommendations have received very solid endorsement by the electors at the polls. “The league, in selecting names for recommendation, has always done so on the principle of choosing whom it deemed best of those offering, recognising fully that it is for the electors to make the final decision. In the coming elections the league desires to see men and women returned for the City Council, Hospital Board and Harbour Board who will pursue policies of prudence and sound judgment. We recognise that it is useless laying down, abstract rules which may not be practicable when the hard facts of varying circumstances have to be dealt with. What the League Supports. “Like most citizens, we wish to see the rates kept down as much as possible, but we do not seek'any slashing reduction of rates, which would entail the stoppage of city works and further additions in the number of unemployed. Economy of administration, reduction of rates, reference to the ratepayers, of questions of loans which affect them, open discussion of the city’s business when safety is en-sured—-these are all principles the league supports. “We recognise at the same time that effective, wise, and prudent government of the city’s affairs is not to be secured by mere slogans. We do not wholly endorse or condemn those now in office, but give them due .credit for the service they have rendered during a trying time, even if we choose some whom we think more adapted for the work. Whoever is elected to these offices will have great trials and responsibilities, and the league considers there is much need for the fullest cooperation of all citizens, elected and electors, at this time of stress and hardship. Hard Tasks Ahead. “A general attitude of antagonism to those in office is little encouragement to those offering their services, as all will recognise there are very hard' tasks before them with the abnormal economic conditions now obtaining. The league is for general cooperation, prudent management, economy in administration, and the most careful scrutiny .of all proposed expenditures. ‘The league has confidence that the electors will exercise good judgment, in the final selection, which is in their hands. Those we are recommending have given good service in various directions, and that will prove their best recommendation when the full list of names is published.”