The Daily Alaska empire Newspaper, April 4, 1932, Page 8

e T o TN WS (Copy of Dodger Being Circulated) BE CAREFUL— Why give away a franchise for the use of the city streets without a thorough investigation of the resources of those asking for the franchise? Have these men any FINANCIAL STANDING? Do they own any property in Juneau? GEtk Do they even own a home in Juneau? ' What is their previous record? Are they going to sell stock? Do you think it wise for the city to grant a franchise for speculative purposes? BE CAREFUL—Vote NO NOW on Ordinance No. 207 (Central Heating Plant) If after thorough investigation they can show that a central heating plant is practical and not a stock selling scheme, let them bring it up before the people again. HAS THE CITY BEEN ABLE TO REGULATE THE WATER FRANCHISE? THINK BEFORE YOU VOTE! The above is a reproduction of an anonymous statement which has been circulated through the mails as a last minute attempt to confuse the minds of voters of Juneau. We answer the circular in full and in the interest of PROGRESS VOTE ..... YES IT WILL BE OF GREAT BENEFIT TO EVERY CITIZEN OF THE TOWN QUESTION NO. 1. “Why give away a fran- chise, etc.”: We say grant the franchise to the Central Heating Plant for the same reason that a FRANCHISE is granted for light and power, telephones, water or any other public utility. The city is giving away NOTHING, but will get a NEW TAX PAYING INDUSTRY and a MODERN CONVENIENCE. QUESTION NO. 2. “Do they own any prop- erty, etc.: Yes, at least two of our members, Mr. John Biggs, of the Gastineau Hotel and Mr. Donald Armour, President and Man- ager of the Piggly Wiggly Alaska Co., whose property status is unquestioned. QUESTION NO. 3. “What is their previous record?” A monument to sound business principles. QUESTION NO. 4. “Are they going to sell stock?” YES. . . . Just as the Juneau Cold Storage Co., Juneau Lumber Mills, Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Co. and the Piggly Wiggly Co. have sold stock to finance their enterprises. QUESTION NO.5. “Do you think it wise, etc.”: The City does not grant the proposed franchise, any specu- lative privilege. Subject to the approval of the voters tomor- row, it has authorized those interested the authority to erect a plant for the purpose of furnishing heat to the general public, and, if the voters give such approval, we propose, in good faith, to install the project without DELAY. All rights of the city, and its citizens, are fully protected under the ordinance covering the franchise. QUESTION NO. 6. “Has the city been able to regulate the water franchise, etc.?” The Common Council of the City of Juneau has ample authority to regulate any public utility serving the community. This authority has been upheld by the Federal Courts in a suit brought by the Alaska Electric Light and Power Co. to set aside the rates for electricity FIXED BY THE CITY. The Ju- neau Water Co. has assured the Council it will make the neces- sary improvements to its plant to prevent the cancellation of its franchise by the City. “If after thorough investigation they can show that a central heating plant is practical, etc.”: For several months this project has been discussed publicly. We went into it thoroughly at public meetings of the Common Council, to which we presented our plans in detail. They were, also, given the widest publicity possible through the public press. We have discussed the project with many business men and others and have at all times, since the inception of the project, been available to answer any questions and to give any information any interested party might desire. ON ORDINANCE NO. 207 VOTE.....YES H. J. EBERHART J. A. BULGER B s A T R AT R SR RS ote the Wayv You Think Best! TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: We have been accused of sending out a “dodger” opposing the granting of Franchise No. 207. IN ANSWER—HERE IS HOW WE STAND— \ 1. We do not think a central heating plant is practical. We know of two large companies that have investigated with the view of in- stalling a central plant but did not see where they could make it pay. 2. We do not believe in granting a franchise for use of city streets for 20 years. 3. When we bid on Government work we are required to furnish a bond. We do not see where this franchise calls for a bond to pro- tect the city. 4. We understand the parties.asking for the franchise contemplate selling stock to fi- nance the plant. If such is the case we are DEAD AGAINST IT for we feel that the times do not warrant the tying up of a lot of the people’s money in something the out- come of which is problematical. 5. We think the proposition should be thor- oughly investigated by competent engineers before the city grants a franchise — espec- ially if they are going to sell stock. 6. If you want GOOD Plumbing or Sheet Metal iWork cheap, come and see us. AR X - WE THANK YOU. PEVS Rice & Ahlers Co. PLUMBING HEATING - SHEET METAL “We tell you in advance what job will cost”