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CLAY WOLF REESMAN JR. was born in Pennsylvania around 1884. He married Alice Gibbs in the early 1900s. He was living in Philadelphia PA in 1910. In November of 1911 he is listed as a member of St. Paul’s Methodist Episcopal Church at Thorofare, Gloucester County, New Jersey. The Reesman family is not listed in the 1914 Camden City directory. However, by September of 1918 the family had moved to Camden, and had bought a home at 44 North 24th Street in East Camden. Clay Reesman was then working as a traveling salesman. The family at that point included two daughters, Alice and Mary, and a son, John Andrew Reesman. The Reesman family had moved to 2772 Mickle Street in East Camden by 1924. After moving to Camden, Clay Reesman soon involved himself in the civic and political life of Camden. He was charter member and first vice- president of the Camden chapter of the American Business Clubs. Other members included auto dealer DeMotte Eggie, Jack Weinberg, and William Shirley. A member of the Republican party, he defeated Sergeant Ray Smith, who was backed by Jake Schiller, in the 1926 election for ward committeeman in the Twelfth Ward. Clay W. Reesman was elected May 10 on May 10, 1927 to the Camden City Commission on an all-Republican slate. He took the oath of office May 17, 1927. The other commissioners were General Winfield S. Price, Mayor; T. Yorke Smith, William D. Sayrs Jr., and Dr. David S. Rhone. One of his duties as commissioner was to oversee Camden's city-owned radio station, WCAM. Although he had been elected to the City Commission as a Republican in 1927, Clay W. Reesman was chosen to succeed Otto Braun as City Clerk when control over hiring of city employees passed from the Republican Party to the Democrats in October of 1936, This change was the result of a New Jersey State Supreme Court decision which finally settled the disputed May 1935 election for Camden's City Commission. Clay W. Reesman was close to one-time Burlington County Chief of Detectives Ellis Parker Sr., who was sentenced to federal prison for his involvement in the kidnap of a witness involved in the Lindbergh kidnapping. Clay Reesman and his wife visited Parker only a few days before his death in February of 1940. Clay and Alice Reesman were still living at 2772 Mickle Street as late as 1947. He then still serving as Camden's City Clerk, a position he held up to his passing, on January 3, 1949. Long-time assistant Mary MacClennon served as acting City Clerk for over five years, when in August of 1954, John Odorisio was named to the post. Alice Reesman remained at the Mickle Street home until her death in November of 1976. |
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Camden Courier-Post - January 3, 1928 |
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KAUSEL
IS GIVEN $4000 JOB OVER HOT PROTEST BY ‘REBEL’ IN G.O.P. Joseph H. Van Meter, insurgent Republican freeholder from Collingswood, today declared that David Baird Jr., Republican leader, had admitted that Theodore Kausel was “not the man for the job” to which he was appointed by the Board of Freeholders yesterday. Baird told him, however, said Van Meter, that a promise had been made “to take care of” Kausel because of the latter’s aid to the Republican Organization at the last municipal election. Van Meter quotes Baird as follows: “I’ll admit that Kausel is not the man for the job. But you have to help me out because we promised to take care of Kausel when he came over to us in the city election. And it was through Kausel that we got Hitchner and a lot of his crowd.” “We’ve got ourselves tied up with him. We’ve got to take him, and I want you to go along, and help me out”. “I know his business record and I know his political record. I know the freeholders don’t want him and our conference don’t want him, but we’ve got to eat crow, and I want you to help me out” Under the watchful eyes of organization leaders, Republican members of the Camden County Board of Freeholders yesterday took care of Theodore “Teddy” Kausel. With David Baird Jr. and other chieftains of the party occupying front row seats, the board created the post of “general manager of county institutions and promptly named Kausel for the job at an annual salary of $4,000. Like ghosts at a feast, Baird and the other party leaders sat silently at the freeholders reorganization meeting. Like actors in a carefully pre-arranged play, a little uncertain of their cues, 20 Republican freeholders cast furtive eyes at the group of spectators. They said no word, these freeholders. They made no reply when Joseph H. Van Meter, of Collingswood, breaking from their ranks, declared that 20 of them had told him that Kausel was unfit for the position to which he was being appointed. They listened in uncomfortable silence while Van Meter gave voice to a scathing denunciation of their “lack of backbone” and while a running fire of sarcasm from Democratic members fell upon their ears. Scene Was Drama The scene was drama. It might have been a revised performance of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” with 28 furtive-eyed Uncle Toms and an impregnable line of Simon Legrees, cracking invisible whips in threatening gestures. And the scene was also comedy. For of that score of men who, according to Van Meter, had agreed that Kausel was unfit for the job but “had to be taken care of,” none arose to protest against the action. Within their Hearts the chorus of Uncle Toms may have been saying. The county may own out bodies, but our souls belong to the Republican Organization.” But if they thought this, they said no word. Today it was pointed out that it will not be long before freeholders come up for re-nomination at the primaries. Today, it was also predicted that Van Meter has signed his political death warrant so far as the Republican organization was concerned. But at least he received the ungrudging tribute of the Democratic minority on the board, who joyfully proclaimed that they had found “at last a Republican with guts.” Van Meter Fights Hard Van Meter spared no words, took no half-measures. He accused his fellow Republican members of coercion, double- dealing and weakness. He fought the appointment bitterly. He raked up the vocational school matter, in which $85,000 had been paid for the school site on Kausel’s recommendation, a price later declared to be exorbitant. Democratic members joined the Collingswood insurgent. They charges that the $4,000 appointment was the price of Kausel’s allegiance to the Republican party. They declared that he wasn’t worth it. They recalled, later, that Kausel had shifted from the Republican Organization to the Non-Partisan movement and then back again after being one of the loudest to criticize the Organization. They asserted that after his removal as chairman of the vocational school board, he had sought the appointment as city purchasing agent. They avowed that the Republican City Commissioners had ‘refused to handle Kausel” and had “wished him off on the county.” The 26 other Republican freeholders- all of those present, excepting only Van Meter- continued to listen in silence. And when the vote came, every one of the 26 voted for the creation of the position of “general manager of county institutions” and for the appointment of Kausel. A little later the reprisals upon Van Meter began. He was removed from the central plant and county farm committees of the board, shifted to the elections committee and allowed to remain on the printing and agricultural committees, regarded as unimportant groups. Reprisal Were Threatened. “It doesn’t surprise me,” he said. “I was threatened with it. They told me they’d ruin me. But I couldn’t go back to Collingswood and ask the people to vote for me again if I hadn’t fought against this appointment.” The defection of Van Meter came apparently as a surprise. The meeting had opened with the passage of the county budget on the first reading, the selection of Leslie H. Ewing, of Berlin, as director of the board, the calling of Frank P. Moles, of the Third Ward to be sworn in and his failure to respond or to appear for the gathering. Minor matters had been attended to and then Fred W. George, clerk of the board, rose to his feet and began the task of reading a long list of proposed amendments to the rules. Buried far down in the list of revisions was that which, “for purposes of economy”, sought to place all county institutions under a central head to be known as general manager. George lost his breath before he had more than half completed the lost of amendments, and George Rothermel, pinch-hitting for Walter Keown as counsel for the board, took his place. Then Director Ewing called for a vote. Schorpp Speaks Frederick W. Schorpp, Eighth Ward Democrat, was the first to speak “ I want to congratulate you gentlemen,” he said, “on the wonderful way you have camouflaged these changes. “ We have heard a long list of amendments to the rules read. But what the whole thing is can easily be seen. You gentlemen of the majority have a lame duck to take care of, and so you create this job. But I can’t see, really I can’t see why it is necessary to create a $4,000 plum for your lame duck and saddle it on the taxpayers.” There was silence in the room. In the seat of the absent Freeholder William A. Robinson sat Baird. At the press table were Sheriff Walter Gross and City Commissioner William D. Sayrs, Jr. Ranged along the front row of the spectators’ section were Mayor Winfield Price and Commissioner Clay W. Reesman. They said nothing. Louis C. Parker, Gloucester City Democrat, was next to speak. “All these changes in the rules accomplish is to create a new job,” he declared, agreeing with Schorpp. S. Raymond Dobbs, Fourteenth Ward Democrat, objected and moved that the resolution changing the rules be laid over until the regular January meeting. He was overruled by Director Ewing. Schorpp sought to have the rules voted upon separately, but James Davis, chairman of the committee, refused to accept the suggestion. The roll call began. In alphabetical order the names were called and the freeholders voted. Republicans voted in favor of adoption of the changes. The three Democrats voted against the resolution. Van Meter’s name was the last to be called. “No”, he said calmly, and there was a gasp pf surprise in the room. The clerk recorded the vote on the resolution as 26 to 4 and then began reading again. This was a new resolution. It named Theodore T. Kausel to the position just created and explained that he was to report to the “Lakeland Central Committee.” Van Meter Protests Van Meter rose slowly. He obtained recognition from the director and began, quietly but decisively. “Gentlemen,” he said calmly. “I have studied this proposition. I have known about it for three days and three nights. I have talked to 20 Republicans member of this board and I have done all I could to get then to agree with me. And they did agree with me. They agreed, every one, that Kausel was not the man for this job. After what happened on the vocational school project, when Kausel was president of the school board, he is not the man. On his recommendation, the vocational school site was purchased for $85,000. And now you want to send him where he will handle about a million dollars of the taxpayers’ money.” Van Meter’s tone was serious as he turned to his fellow members. Most of the latter sat silently in the seats. They did not glance at the Collingswood insurgent. Baird, Gross, Price, Sayrs and Reesman listened intently. A few of the freeholders craned their necks towards the windows as the Camden mummers, returning from the New Years Day parade in Philadelphia, marched past the courthouse. But Van Meter went on. “There is not one of you that has backbone enough to come here and fight this thing.” Van Meter continued. I can’t see it go through. I couldn’t ask the people of Collingswood to vote for me again if I let it go through without a fight. “You agreed with me that Kausel was not the man for the job. Haven’t you any backbone with which to fight his appointment now?” Slowly, in complete silence that followed, he turned till he faced Horace G. Githens, the majority floor leader. “Mr. Githens,” he said quietly and in a measured tone, “ if you will throw away your messenger’s cap and wear a leader’s hat, I will follow you.” He sat down and the silence continued. Schorpp Lauds Van Meter Schorpp rose again. “I’m glad to see one Republican who has backbone,” he said. “I told you there was a lame duck in this and here is the lame duck. “Woods (Samuel Woods, Republican freeholder from Haddonfield) and you others criticized Kausel and other members of the vocational school board for their purchasing of the land for the school, claiming that it was an exorbitant price to pay for the land. “And now these same men who criticized Kausel are putting him in a position where he will handle millions of the taxpayers money. Dobbs followed on the floor. “I don’t want to stand here and talk until 10 o’clock tonight just to give you reasons why Kausel shouldn’t get the job,” he said. “In the first place, I couldn’t give all the reasons in that time, and in the second place, they wouldn’t register with this bunch. “This is entirely unfair. It’s too high a price to pay Kausel to come back into the Republican ranks. The Republican leaders should pay it, however, and not saddle the price on the taxpayers. “Personally, I don’t think he’s worth much politically. We had him for awhile and have had some experience as to the value of his services. I thought he could be bought for less than $4000 anyway.” The resolution came to a vote. The Republicans, with the exception of Van Meter, again voted solidly. Twenty-six votes were cast for the appointment of Kausel. Van Meter and the three Democrats did not vote. Van Meter issued a statement after the meeting, explaining his stand. He said: “The reason I opposed Kausel’s appointment is because the man is extravagant. Director Ewing was one of the 20 Republicans I talked to who were opposed to hum, but were afraid on the floor. I didn’t talk to the Democrats. “Ewing and the other Republicans said, “What can we do. We must take care of him. We promised to.’ Charges Unfair Tactics “I knew when I went ahead with this that I’d be an outcast, but I was determined to do the right thing. This appointment is not the right thing. “They told me I’d be ruined if I opposed them. Even up to the last minute before the meeting they came to my desk in the freeholder’s room and tried to throw a scare into me. “I knew I’d be thrown out of committees and barred from the caucuses. They’ve let me remain on the printing committee. I’ve been on it a year, and it hasn’t met yet. Nevertheless, there is a $50,000 appropriation for printing. “I’ve always tried to be on the level on this job. Why they had the workhouse slated for $120,000 but I fought and fought, and finally- well look at the budget- it’s cut down to $50,000. “It’s not the first time I’ve saved them money. I don’t know Kausel personally, but I do know his record. It was because of his extravagance that he was fired from the Castle Kid Company. And when I say he is extravagant, I can prove every word of it.” The new Lakeland central committee, authorized in the resolution appointing Kausel, was announced by Director Ewing at the close of the meeting. Ewing is to be a member, ex-officio, and Horace G. Githens becomes a member by virtue of being chairman of the finance committee. The chairman of the asylum committee, of the County Hospital committee, of the Almshouse committee, of the Detention Home committee, and the Tuberculosis Hospital committee all will become members.” Name ‘Official’ Papers An earlier vote had been taken in which the Democrats moved to designate The Evening Courier as the newspaper in which the budget was to be officially printed. The Republican majority had designated two weekly papers, the Camden Argus and the Berlin Breeze. “It’s obvious,” said Dobbs, “why these designations have been made.” Parker, Gloucester City Republican, agreed with this view and declared that the newspaper with the largest circulation in the county should be given the official county notices for publication as advertising. Schorpp ironically suggested that the Christian Science Monitor be substituted for one of the two weeklies designated and the roll was called. The Argus and the Breeze were officially designated. The appointment of Kausel bought the meeting to a conclusion. Of all the Republican freeholders, Davis was the only one to speak. He merely declared that he was one not one of the 20 men who Van Meter had said agreed that Kausel was not the man for the job. |
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Camden Courier-Post * January 18, 1928 |
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13TH WARD G.O.P. CLUB PAYS TRIBUTE TO RHONE A meeting which was described today as "a gathering in honor of David S. Rhone, director of public safety", was held last night at the Thirteenth Ward Republican Club, Haddon Avenue and Mechanic Street. The speakers included David Baird Jr., Mayor Winfield S. Price, Commissioner Clay W. Reesman, Sheriff Walter T. Gross, Urquhart Ward, ward committeeman, Theodore Kausel and Commissioner Rhone. A large photograph of Commissioner Rhone was presented to the club by friends of the Commissioner, and has been placed in the clubroom. A photograph of Ward was also given the club. Arrangements were by made by the club for its annual ball to be held February 21. Plans were also discussed for the remodeling of the club's headquarters. |
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Camden Courier-Post * January 24, 1928 |
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CITY BLASTS HOPES FOR BROADWAY LIGHTS Hopes of the Broadway Business Men’s Association
to obtain 75 more lights on that thoroughfare have been blasted,
Commissioner Clay W.
Reesman says no funds are available to make possible the
improvement. Reesman's
reply to the request for additional lights was contained in a letter
received yesterday by Harry P.
Pelouze, president of the organization. Members of the association
have sought the new lighting for more than a year, contending that present
facilities are inadequate for the volume of business. At
Reesman's
office today, it was said a smaller budget this year leaves no money
available to pay for additional lights. The new standards themselves, it
was reported would be erected by the Public Service Company, but the cost
of obtaining them would amount to approximately $5,500 a year or from $72
to $75 for each new light. The request for better lighting on Broadway was made by the businessmen to the previous city commissioners, who assured the merchants that provisions for the additional lights would be made in 1928. No appropriation, however, has bee voted. The association will decide on what further steps to take at its next meeting. |
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Camden Courier-Post * January 27, 1928 |
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REESMAN
DENIES LIGHT FUND SHIFT |
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Camden Courier-Post January 28, 1928 |
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Camden Courier-Post February 20, 1928 Fifth Ward Republican Club Bernard
Bertman |
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Camden Courier-Post February 21, 1928 William McKinley School |
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July
3, 1929 QSL Card from WCAM |
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Camden Courier-Post May 29, 1930 Click on Image to Enlarge |
Camden Courier-Post - February 7, 1933 |
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Palese Peddles Tickets For His Own Testimonial Selling tickets for his own testimonial dinner is a distinction enjoyed by Assistant Prosecutor Rocco Palese. The dinner, arranged as a testimonial to "the Polish Ambassador," proved a surprise to Palese last night when 28 friends, members of the "Srelsihc Club," let him share the secret in Hotel Walt Whitman. The dinner, among other reasons, was tendered him because he was the only member of the club to put together a Courier-Post "Hi-Ho" puzzle. For a week prior to the affair he sold tickets to friends, not knowing the affair was in his honor. With former Judge John B. Kates as toastmaster, wit and repartee passed the festive board, while entertainment was furnished by Bobby Heath and Billy James, famous writers of popular songs. Those who did honor to Palese are: Judge Kates, Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin, Chief of County Detectives Lawrence T. Doran, John R. DiMona, Carl Kisselman, Herbert H. Blizzard, Robert Brest, Charles F. Knapp, Edward V. Martino, William Freeman, William Duby, Louis J. Gale, Edward Gorman, John J. Fitzgerald, City Commissioner Clay W. Reesman, Anthony Maltesta, F. J. Haws, Edward Neuman, Clifford Stratton, Jules Derowski, Bronislaw Derowski, Richard Troncone, T. Harry Rowland, William F. Lehman, William McDonald, Judge Frank F. Neutze and Robert W Saeger. |
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Camden Courier-Post - February 9, 1933 |
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JOE
MONTANA WED TO MISS PALLADINO
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| Camden Courier-Post - February 10, 1933 |
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CITY
ADOPTS CUT BUDGET AFTER CLASH By
WALT BATEZEL The Camden City Commission yesterday approved the 1933 city budget after hearing and rejecting economy recommendations of several civic and labor organizations. Eight speakers representing five organizations urged budget reductions and protested the total of $3,353,124.60. Verbal clashes over opinions were frequent between Commissioner Harold W. Bennett, director of finance and revenue, and former Councilman Frederick von Nieda and Thomas B. Hall, representatives of the Congress of Civic Associations of New Jersey. Nearly
300 persons attended the hearing, in marked contrast to the 5000 who
marched on city hall last year to demand budget reductions. The hearing
lasted three hours. The departmental budget appropriations of
$3,353,124.60 with the local school appropriation of $1,250,000 and other
appropriations, totaling $960,060.55 to be added in the tax ordinance yet
to be adopted, will give the city a total expense of $5,563,185.15 for
1933. Tax Bill About Same The tax rate will not be known until the tax ordinance is adopted. After the hearing Commissioner Bennett declared that due to equalization of assessments, the bills of some taxpayers will be a few dollars higher than last year, and a few dollars lower in other cases. The commission, after approving the budget on a motion by Commissioner Bennett, adopted a resolution leasing WCAM to the Broadcast Advertising Company for $1000 per year and a percentage of all receipts over $24,000. All maintenance costs will be born by the company, of which Rudolph Preisendanz, Jr., is head. After
the budget was adopted Bennett declared the City Commission would take
into consideration an allegation of Frank J. Hartmann,
Jr., secretary
of the Civic Congress, that the $125,400 appropriation for street lighting was $26,450 higher than it should be
according to figures obtained by him concerning the city's .lighting
equipment. "If there has been an error the budget can be amended at
any time,"
Commissioner Bennett said. Commissioner
Clay W. Reesman, under whose department street lighting comes,
declared that figures in his office concerning street lighting were
different from those quoted by Hartmann. The figures he used,
Hartmann
said, were obtained by him from City Comptroller Sidney P. McCord. Von Nieda
Case
Von Nieda was the first citizen to address the commission. Shifting papers in his hands, he faced the commissioners and said: "We have here $40,000 for your Recorder's Court in 1932, and $25,000 for 1933." Commissioner Bennett jumped to his feet. "Those
1932 figures," Bennett said, "were merely an estimate of the
receipts to be taken in, but that amount did not come in. This year we
anticipate only $25,000, which we consider a fair estimate." "That's
fine" said von Nieda, "but we have never had a chance to sit in
with you on these figures." "You
can sit in with us at any time," responded Bennett, "We're glad
to have you." "I
see here," said von Nieda, "that the transportation inspector is
paid from fees, but you show no fees and the inspector should be paid by
the Public Service. I also suggest that you turn Convention Hall over to
the poor. Now in dealing with Station WCAM, I see you show a profit for
the last three months of $1000, while in 1932, you show no records of
receipts, and we are just wondering.'. Worried by WCAM "Do you want that answered now?" asked Bennett. "WCAM has given myself and the other commissioners some concern during the past year. It is our duty to see that we receive as much income as possible. Different methods have been used in the radio station to make it pay during the past three months, and during this time that station has been in the black. We figure that in 1933 there will be no deficit in this station, and we look for a profit of more than $1000." "Now in this matter of eliminating deputy directors," von Nieda said. He was interrupted by Commissioner Reesman. "I'll
tell you," said Reesman, "about my deputy director Carlton Harris.
My deputy receives $1750 a year. He has charge of all labor in the
Department of Parks and Public Property. He is on the job every
morning at 7:00 AM, and often works until 10 p. m., with the labor outside."
"In
speaking of the assessors," von Nieda continued, "we
should have assessors who are not influenced by politicians or political
dictators." "You
know I won't stand for that," answered Bennett. "The
readjustment of ratables is only a small part 1 of the work we are doing.
Each property is assessed on a basic principal. Any
time you have a suggestion that will help us in our work we will
be glad to hear from you but I firmly believe that real state must be
relieved of its heavy tax burden by an income and sales tax, and this tax
must come sooner or later. Seeking Relief"As far as the city commissioners are concerned, we are studying it from day to day, in efforts to get out of the wilderness. "In
speaking of the purchasing department," von Nieda
continued, "we
know what happened there last year. You fired your purchasing agent, and
if you had not fired him it probably would have afforded the public some
interesting reading about this purchasing department. "All
of my men are working overtime,' replied Bennett. "It is true the
purchasing agent is out and his work is being done by an assistant (William
Dilmore) at half his salary. We have got rid of as many people in
these departments as we can. I had to let one girl go in the purchasing
department and one girl in Controller McCord's department. One man went on
pension in the tax office and two were let out in efforts to balance the
budget. "In .one of my departments where there were three girls I had, to make a $900 cut by leaving one girl out. called the three girls into my office and told them that one had to go and asked them what their home responsibilities were. One had to take care of her family, including a 77-year-old aunt; another a family with a 66-year-old aunt, and the third was supporting three or four brothers with the help of another brother, who is a barber working for practically what tips he could get. "But I had to make a $900 cut. The girls asked me not to dismiss any of them, as they each would take a $300 cut in addition to cuts .already applied. Another man took an extra $260 cut so that he would not be out of work. But I had the budget to take care of, and I am ready to challenge any city the size of Camden to show so nearly a balanced budget. Our plan is to pay as we go." "You
cite two or three instances," protested
von Nieda. "But I want
to show you scores of families which have no money and they are taxpayers.
You say you have cut to the bone, but you should cut through the bone.
This is no grandstand play by us. Maybe we can give you some help. Then,
too, the debt interest must be paid on this tragedy," he shouted,
pointing to walls of the commission chamber. "Maybe
you can tell me how to get rid of the bonds," suggested Bennett.
"You must remember this year we have cut $900,000 from the
budget." Offers
Recommendation Von Nieda said the Civic Congress recommended that work now being done by two city solicitors should be done by one, that when more policemen and firemen are needed "little fellows” be restored first wherever possible; that the city incinerating plant be closed; that the personnel of the city's two' sewage disposal plants be reduced; that the city's lighting bill be cut $40,000; that inspectors of lighting be abolished and their work done by policemen and the city's engineer's department. Personally he favored an income tax, he said, to relieve the I burden on real estate. "1
realize,” von Nieda
said, "that the city commission has done a fair
job, but of the congress, with conservatively 15,000 members, think you
can do even better. Commissioner Frank B. Hanna, director of public works, interrupted von Nieda on the subject of the incinerating plant, which von Nieda declared could be abandoned because it did not burn garbage, but only rubbish. "Can
you see me at 9:00 AM tomorrow and go through my department with me?"
asked Hanna. “Any time," replied von Nieda. Warns of Tax Strike "However," von Nieda continued, "we are wondering what the figures in the right hand corner of the tax bill will be. Assessments may be lower and the tax rate higher, and that does not give a true picture. I fear the bills will be more for 1933 and for one am willing now to take the 1932 assessment on my home. "The
congress vigorously opposes this personality tax. You expect to tax the
homeowner for everything he has. I warn YOU gentlemen that if this tax is
imposed in Camden there will be a run on banks and building and loan
associations. If that happens homeowners and renters will leave this
unfortunate city. There will be a tax strike here, and so help me God, I'm
helping it!" Von Nieda was followed by William Hughes of 578
Mickle street, who spoke for
the Unemployed Council of New Jersey. Hughes
reiterated demands of the union for increased relief payments to
unemployed, urged a municipally-owned lighting plant,
operated at a profit, the same as the city's water department; a municipal
lodging house; use of hand labor instead of machinery in all city
contracts and the employment of labor to "tear down the slums in
Camden." Hartmann
was the next speaker. He read from a prepared statement which he declared
was an analysis a\of the city's 1932 lighting expenses, and which, he
said, could be lowered “had we used larger lamps.“ Reesman Contradicts After enumerating the individual costs of lamps of various candle power, and contending a change in the lamps would effect a saving this year, Hartmann charged the city has overpaid for electric energy in street lighting. Commissioner Reesman declared that figures used by Hartmann were in error and that therefore, his computations as to possible savings were wrong. He announced, however, he would study the situation to discover if there was any error in the budget concerning street lighting, as alleged by Hartmann. "The
Civic Congress is now circulating petitions for a referendum on a
municipal lighting plant," Hartmann
said. "We now have 10,000 of
the required 11,000 signatures, and we do not intend to stop until we have
25,000. You commissioners can stop these petitions by adopting a
resolution declaring a referendum on the question." He
then asked that the work of the city electrical inspector be taken over by
the National Board of Fire Underwriters,
and that "when the next tax sale is held, all properties be
advertised, including banks, garages and to whomever the property
belongs." Commissioner
Bennett then arose and said: "I've used' discretion on that. There
are some who are paying as low as $5 per month, and I think these people
should be helped. We commissioners do not want to sell the home of anyone.
That is what we are trying to stop. We are in perfect agreement on
that." Debt
Moratorium Asked "How
about the Bridge Garage?" some one in the audience shouted. "The
Bridge Garage has just paid $1500," Bennett said, "and promises
to pay something every month. We are trying to make the tax bills lower by
getting in all the monies we can,
and where possible to take in delinquent payments no matter how small. Clarence Moullette, secretary of the Unemployed Union of New Jersey, then arose. He asked for a moratorium on the city debt service for five years, and urged the commission to adopt such a resolution memorializing the Legislature for that relief: He announced opposition to the personality tax. "We
are not questioning the actions of the commissioners, Moullette
said.
“Spending less money will not help the situation. Commissioner Hanna.
told me if he had $51,000 additional in his department six closed garbage
trucks could purchased. This will help give work. By cutting down salaries
you decrease purchasing power. Work must be had. Eventually you will pay
in Hall
asked that Convention Hall be abandoned and the building used for
hospitalization work for the needy, and urged the city commission to
"meet in the evenings so that citizens will know and see what is
going on." He asked for abolition of the positions of plumbing,
building, sewer and heating inspectors. 'Close High Schools' "The commission should face conditions as they are," he said. "I speak for myself, and not the Civic Congress. I ask that the high schools be closed. I heartily approve closing of the Vocational School, but if choice was to be made between high schools and the Vocational School, I would say close the high schools. Before selling the home of anyone to meet impossible taxes, I say cut to the bone by getting rid of everything that is not absolutely necessary. "You
commissioners must be made to realize that increased taxation is what has
destroyed purchasing power in America. Meet this condition! Commissioner
Bennett challenged the statement of Hall that government costs were
responsible for conditions of today. "There
are numerous causes," Bennett said. "I
would rejoice in debating it with you or anyone you select," Hall
replied, "including United States senators, and convince them in 20
minutes." "I’ll
debate that with him," shouted Morris Stempa of
Audubon from the audience. Stempa later addressed the commission,
speaking for the Socialist party, and urged the moratorium advocated by
Moullette, also a Socialist. Eugene
Wasilewski, speaking for you the South Camden Civic Association, denounced
the commission for failing to call in civic association representatives in
their preparation of the Budget. Bennett
Gives Reply "You
called in the bankers, but not those others of us who also are interested
in city costs," Wasilewski said. "You tell us now there is a reduction in
assessments and then come along and wallop us with a higher tax rate. That
is not fair. You were elected to look after our interests and that you
have failed to do. You are making us eat red herring, and we want you to
eat red herring with us." The
last citizen to address the commission was Salvadore Guadelli, president
of the Citizens-Taxpayers' League. He made a general indictment of
conditions, ,and asked that the city commission "do not let
sectionalism creep into city affairs." Commissioner
Bennett then arose and addressed his fellow commissioners and the
audience. "All these things suggested here today have been considered," he said. "We five men came into office with the idea of serving the people. I know the business of financing the city is a. serious problem. We have endeavored to move the budget into that realm of 'pay-as-you-go! We appreciate everything presented here. Every taxpayer we look upon as an employer. "Looking
at it from every angle, this budget cannot be delayed any longer. You'll
find we were severe in preparing this budget; you'll find we were severe
last year. Last year we cut a half million. This year we cut $702,890.74,
and to that the board of education, we hope, will add a cut of $250,000.
That is a total cut of $952,890.74. Other cities in New Jersey show
nothing to compare with it. Budget Adopted
"I
hesitate in making more cuts. I speak from experience when I say I'm a
taxpayer. In the past two weeks I've been trying to raise money to pay
taxes. I want all of you to know we commissioners can sympathize. It is
not easy being at the head of a government in times like these. I hope
that municipalities will receive federal relief in payment of debt
service. There has been a tremendous cut in our budget, including the
board of education figures. I feel the commissioners are to be commended
for the work they've done this year. "If
we pass the budget we won't stop at that particular point, but will see
what else we can do all along the line. I feel the essential thing is to
pass the budget. I'm proud of the fact we came through 1932, and are
started in 1933 the same way, although I make no promise for the future. I
wish for a moratorium for interest on bonds. There are the bondholders on
one side and the taxpayers on the other, and the man out of work to be
considered. We
are in sympathy with the man out of work. I say let the federal or
government put some money into to the interest rate. We must pass this
budget this afternoon. Do not delay longer. This is not an arbitrary 10
stand on my part. I make a motion the budget now be passed." City
Clerk Frank S. Albright called the roll and all five commissioners voting
'unanimously. No demonstration followed passage
of the measure. *Eugene Wasilewski referred to in this story was Eugene Waleskiewicz, who was later known as Eugene Wales. |
| Camden Courier-Post - February 10, 1933 |
|
Stewart Answers Civic Congress Demands For
Additional Economies Efforts
will
be made to have all city employees pay up their back taxes within three weeks, Mayor Roy R. Stewart
promised yesterday. The
mayor and Commissioner Clay
W.
Reesman
issued statements to the press
answering recommendations by the Congress of Civic Associations One
of the economies suggested by the Civic Congress was that all municipal
workers be forced to pay whatever taxes they owe. "I feel that this is entirely proper and an effort will be made to see that taxes on properties owned by city employees are paid within three weeks,” Stewart said. Inspection
Necessary Answering
a recommendation that the city eliminate electric inspection It
was urged that the position of transportation supervisor be abolished. The
mayor declared that it would be inadvisable because the 8upervisor now is
doing, in addition to his own job, the work of the mechanical inspector,
who has been dropped from the payroll. Furthermore, Stewart stated, the to The
mayor defended the maintenance of telephones, at the city's expense, in
the homes of some employees. These phones, he said, are necessary for the
efficient operation of the department of public safety, Those employees are required to be on
call for any emergency. Many telephones found to be unnecessary have peen
eliminated, he said. Regarding
a suggestion for separate control of the police and fire bureaus, Stewart
answered that "arrangements" already have been made to
accomplish that purpose. He recalled that in the police department there
are now only two captains, six Lieutenants and 16 sergeants on the force
where there used to be six captains, eight lieutenants and 19 sergeants.
Another
recommendation concerned elimination of policemen in the parks. The mayor
said he interpreted that to mean the elimination of park guards. He
asserted that park guards have been released except three in Farnham
park. Isolation of the park, he said, would create a rendezvous for
disorderly persons. Reesman declared that Convention Hall could not be closed, as urged by one group, or turned over to a board or private interests because under the law the responsibility for maintaining the building rests with the city commission. |
Camden Courier-Post - June 6, 1933 |
|
REESMAN TO ADDRESS AUDUBON G. O. P. WOMEN Clay W. Reesman, chairman of the Camden County Republican Execu |
