City Hall's Incompetent Board of Works

To the Editor: Superintendent Walter W. Wilson resigned to the ignominy which our board of works has seen fit to heap on him by his summary dismissal. There has never been a single question raised as to the fitness for the position of any of the appointees for some of the most important positions in the city service. The only apparent reason for membership on the board is the 'pull' they possessed with the executive. The city owns its water plant, constructs its sewers, maintains fire apparatus, and oversees wharves, yet our mayor asserts that a knowledge of construction or mechanical engineering is not required of the board members. Let us look at the current members: First, Jesse Cochran—a good painter and sign writer, but he would disclaim all knowledge of engineering. Second, J. W. Van Brocklin—a former mine laborer who 'made a strike' in Montana, but whose construction projects—like the Transfer Company building—have been prone to failure and collapse. Third, J. W. Wolf—an alderman who admitted he knew nothing about brickwork or tunnels when he was appointed. These men are entrusted with our city's expensive machinery, and when questioned about their selection of fire equipment, they immortalized themselves by stating they merely 'listened to the stories of the agents.' If the city wants efficient service, it must employ efficient men to direct that service, and fire the current board of works bodily.