Transcription of article by W. D. Smith in "Bowie Blade" Feb. 14, 1935,
given to us by Laurie Wilcox on 8/30/2000.
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                             SMITH WRITES CITY AFFAIRS
         Candidate For Mayor Tells Of Needs And Discusses His Campaign

To the citizens of Bowie:

I will preface my statement by giving a short outline of my past activities as a
citizen of Bowie for the benefit of those that have lived in Bowie for a short time
only.

I have lived in and near Bowie, with the exception of short periods of time, 49 
years. Attended my first school here in 1886.  I have taught in the Public Schools 
of Montague County  ten years including two years in Bowie. Have operated a 
business in Bowie [unreadable] years, was Tax Assessor of Montague County 4 years, 
and as a candidate for the office of mayor of Bowie, the following is my platform:

(1).  I stand for rigid economy in  the managment and operation of our municipal 
properties: for an accounting system that will reveal in detail any expenditures 
and disbursements of the city's funds.  The taxpayer is not [unreadable] much 
concerned about the amount of money collected, or the amount of business done: but 
he is vitally interested in the amount of profit derived from the operation of the 
light plant and water[unreadable]  and how this money is spent. 

2.  I am in favor of first submitting to the qualified voters of Bowie for their 
approval, before spending their tax money for any major improvement, or for any 
other purpose not absolutely necessary for the successful  operation of our 
municipal properties.

(3).  I am opposed to any bond issue for any purpose that will increase the tax 
burden.  I think the people who pioneered this city, who by strenuous efforts and 
undaunted courage  have built homes and business properties, establishing a 
citizenship that makes it one of the best towns of its size in Texas,  should now 
be permitted to enjoy some return for their loyalty and devotion by a substantial 
reduction in their utility rates and lower taxes.

(4).  If I am elected Mayor of Bowie, I sincerely promise to give to the taxpayer 
a monthly statement of all funds collected, all disbursements and expenditures of 
the light plant and the water system seperately.  By segregateing the income and 
expenses of these properties we can more intelligently determine their relative 
value to the city as an investment. 

(5).  I have no illusive promises to make you, and there are no monuments of my 
past service to the city to further invite your consideration of me as a  
mastermind or a miracle man, and I have no false notions concerning Bowie's  future 
greatness; in fact something must be done and done now if Bowie is to hold what she 
has. We have had a loss in citizenship and in the number of enterprises for the 
last fifteen years.  If we are to keep our present citizenship and encourage other 
useful citizens to make their home with us we must offer them an inducement. Show 
them that they can have the same modern conveniences in Bowie at less cost to 
themselves than can be had in larger cities. By doing this we will encourage our 
home folks to improve their property and induce other valuable citizens to build 
homes in Bowie.  

Yours very truly,
W. D. SMITH
Candidate for Mayor