Frank
B.
Hanna

FRANK B. HANNA was born in New Jersey in 1894. He married Rachel Thomason around 1914. A daughter, Elizabeth, was born the following year. The Hannas were living at 5315 Locust Street in Philadelphia at the time of January 1920 Federal Census. Only 25 years of age, Frank B. Hanna had risen to the post of Chief Clerk at on of the shipyards that operated in the Camden-Philadelphia area. The family would soon return to Camden, and Frank Hanna would enter local in politics.

A Republican, Frank B. Hanna was named superintendent of streets for Camden on July 12, 1927. He was appointed to Camden's Board of Commissioners when William D. Sayrs resigned due to illness in 1929. At the time of the 1930 Census the Hannas were living at 549 Haddon Avenue in Camden. By 1933 the family had moved to 450 Carteret Street.

Frank B. Hanna had passed away by late 1941. His widow Rachel was then working as a matron for the Camden City Police Court, and living at 762 Wright Avenue. She passed away in Baltimore MD on November 25, 1990 at the age of 87.

CITY ENGINEER CLERK IS AGAIN DISCHARGED
Hanna Serves Latest Firing Notice on Weinstein Who Appeals 

Camden Courier-Post - October 13, 1931

Camden Courier-Post - February 6, 1933

REPORT BY HANNA REVEALS $1,286,377
SAVING ON STREETS, 4-YEAR PERIOD COVERED
Bonds, New Incinerator and Repairs Prevent Further Economy
4-YEAR PERIOD COVERED

By LOUIS J. GALE

Total expenditures tumbled $1,286,737 in the four years since City Commissioner Frank B. Hanna took charge of the department of streets and public improvements.

The expenses would have dropped $1,791,086.89 but for bonds totaling $504,349.89 that had to be met during that period for water improvements, a new incinerator, street construction, and repairs, sewage plants and street surveys, representing indebtedness incurred partly by preceding administrations.

Hanna also had to meet a total of $96,828.91 from 1929 to 1932 inclusive to operate sewage disposal plants, an expense that his predecessors in office did not have. If that amount were added, the grand total cut made by Hanna in expenditures during the four years would be $1,887,915.80 under the total for 1928, the year preceding his assumption to office.

Table Shows Economy

The. amazing drop in the department's expenses during the last four years came to light Saturday in a 9-year table made public by Hanna. The table shows that the commissioner spent $768,305.97 in 1932, against $2,055,043.39 in 1928 when Commissioner William D. Sayrs, Jr., headed the public works department.

Hanna pointed out that he made public the comparative nine-year table of expenses so that the public might know how every penny has been spent during the four years of administration as a city commissioner. He added that the tremendous cut in expenses is due to no one man, but because of the wholehearted co-operation of his assistants and subordinates and the general public.

The table reveals that the 1932 expenses under Hanna were $2,188,108.88 less than the $2,956,414.85 aggregate in 1924, when former Commissioner Carroll P. Sherwood was in charge of the department.

Records at Hanna's office also show that his 1933 budget calls for total appropriations of only $503,575.40, and that his receipts from the water department are expected to total $621,321.90. That would give him a balance of $117,746.50 over and above his expenses for the year, which is considered a material credit balance in these days of considerably depleted revenues.

Budget for 1933

Further, the 1933 budget for the department is less than one-third of the $2,055,043 spent in 1928 before Hanna became a city commissioner. It would not be amiss to mention at this point that the budget figures are mere estimates, and that they may be over or under the amount actually spent in any given year. In each year that Hanna has been commissioner, the records show, he has spent considerably less than the amount he was allotted for that year in the department's budget.

For instance, the department's files reveal that while Hanna was allowed $706,075.90 in his 1932 budget, he spent only $646,902.60 of that total, or $60,973.30 less than the estate for his department by effecting economies not anticipated in the budget.

The department's net expenses to operate last year, the records further reveal, were only about $73,600. In other words, of the total expenditures of $768,305.97, more than $573,900 was met in receipts from the water department and a total of $120,727.59 went to meet water and street bonds, representing indebtedness of that and former years.

$73,600 for Routine

With the net total of $73,600, Hanna directed street and sewer repair and cleaning, the collection of ashes and garbage, the operation of the city sewage disposal plants and the city engineer's office, and paid salaries. 

A comparative itemization of the 1932 budget figures and what Hanna actually spent reveals the additional $60,973.30 in economies he effected under the 1932 budget estimate.

While he was allowed $10,075 for his office as director, he spent only $9735.14; the highway office budget called for $19,746, with but $18,223.91 expended; streets called for $221,000 in the budget, but $172,607.06 was expended; culverts, $22,600, but only $18,695.98 was paid out; city engineer's office allowance, $20,638, with that total cut to $18,511.36; sewage disposal plants, $30,695 allotted, but only $23,178.43 spent; water department, $381,321 called for in 1932 budget, with $383,950.72 paid out.

Of the total of $383,950.72 expended in the water department, $98,881.14 went to meet bonds for improvements and replacements made in wells last year which showed iron in the water, Hanna's table of 1932 expenses revealed. The item is listed in the table under the heading, "Water bond contracts payable."

Annual Profit Shown

The water department shows a profit each year. In the 1933 budget this year, for instance, it is expected to show a profit of $240,000 over and above its expenses of $381,321.90, which total includes maintenance and operation, $273,000; interest on water bonds, $73,079; maturing water bonds, $27,475 and water sinking fund, $7767.90.

In other words, the total receipts this year of the water department are expected to be $621,321.90 or $117,746.50 more than the 1933 appropriations.

Aside from the expense figures already mentioned, other interesting facts are shown in the table.

For instance, it is reveal that the ~ commissioner would have shown an even greater cut in expenses of $1,286,737 during his four years' administration except for the fact that sewage disposal plants were added to his costs beginning in 1929. Those expenses did not enter into the expenditures his predecessors in office had to meet because the improvements had not been operated in their time.

The table shows that the expenses for operation of the sewage disposal plants totaled $96,828.91 from 1929 to 1932 inclusive. If those expenditures did not have to be met, the reduction which Hanna effected in the time he has been in office would have come to a grand total of $1,383,565.91. 

Another interesting revelation in the table is that under the item of "street construction." The table shows that Hanna spent only $2675.78 for street construction last year, against $275,623.84 in the preceding year and against $393,810.96 during the term of Commissioner Sayrs and $797,714.70 in 1924, under Commissioner Sherwood. 

For Public's Information

Commissioner Hanna pointed out that in making public the comparative table he has arranged it so that the public could understand from the report the exact amount spent each year in the department. 

"The table is arranged in a simple, concise manner that it will be understood and will not cause any confusion," the commissioner said.

''In the reductions that have been made in department's expenses during the four years of my administration, the credit goes to no one man. They were made possible through the co-operation of everyone in the department and the general public.

"Officials and employees of the bureaus under my direction have shown an enthusiastic spirit to serve the public well at the least possible expense. Their constant thought has lr been the public interest and it is to them and to our citizens that the principal credit should go for the savings we have been able to make.

"We have economized to the limit during the last four years, but I feel that we have reached the point that we cannot cut any further and at the same time give the efficient and adequate service we have offered in recent years.

Records Always Open

"I feel that every citizen of Camden should know how the department has been spending the taxpayers' money. The citizens have a right to know. It always has been my policy to let them know, and to reveal to anyone interested all the records available at my office.

"In conclusion, I am taking this opportunity to thank the public for its co-operation in wrapping garbage and in furthering the department's campaign to keep the city's streets  and sidewalks clean. Such co-operation is appreciated by me and by every other official and employee in the department of streets and public improvements."

CITY ADOPTS CUT BUDGET AFTER CLASH
Slash of $702,890 Is Revealed in Totals Passed at Session of Rulers
LEASE ANNOUNCED OF RADIO STATION
Commissioners Debate With Von Nieda as He Charges Gross Extravagance

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 scrip. Why not pay in scrip now and give out work."

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.

Socialism and the Highway Budget

To the Editor:

Sir :-A great deal has been said and written about the fine showing of Commissioner Mr. Frank Hanna by his department of streets and public improvements. The thought is implied that the rest of the commissioners should make the same fine showing. As a Socialist let me tell why Mr. Hanna is doing so well. That good snowing comes from the publicly owned water works, which sells something to the people for cash.

This water works not only pays its own expenses of furnishing the people with the best of water, its profits also pay the expenses of street repairing, ash collection, garbage collection, operation of the incinerating and disposal plants, the expenses of the highway bureau, the city engineering office, driving additional wells to improve the service, etc. In addition to all that it turns over more than $100,000 to help run the other departments. If the city makes that much profit by serving only 12 of the 14 wards with water, why does it not force its agreement on acquiring the New Jersey Water Company which is supplying about one-third of Camden population, but which keeps its huge profits for a few private owners. The Socialist party demands that the City of Camden exercise its contract and by so doing lessening the cost of government by diverting these private profits to relieve the burdensome taxes. There are 84 cities in the United States that pay no city taxes because they own their own electric plants. Why not Camden become the 85th?

If the ownership of water works and electric plants can accomplish these amazing results, why not go further and own the banks, telephone systems, transportation, coal, milk, ice, gas, etc. Don't say it can't be done. If we can collectively build and operate the Delaware river bridge at a profit in these times of depression we can do anything. Think it over.

 HERMAN F. NIESSNER