Local taxpayers association founded 75 years ago
The San Diego Taxpayers Association (later SDCTA, when “county” was added to the name in the 1980s) was founded 75 years ago today.
Since it’s founding, the Taxpayers Association has seen itself as a watchdog on public spending.
From The San Diego Union, Thursday, Sept. 20, 1945:
NEW SAN DIEGO TAXPAYERS’ UNIT TO INCORPORATE
Organized to act in the interests of taxpayers, large and small, and to function strictly as a non-profit non-political, fact-finding group in the public service, the San Diego Taxpayer’s association has filed articles of incorporation at Sacramento. Guilford H. Whitney, president, announced yesterday.
INTO NEW PERIOD
“Government like industry and business is emerging from a period in which it was geared to abnormal demands arising from the war,” Whitney stated. “And like industry and business, government must now undergo its own reconversion. Individuals are in a similar situation.
“That means a readjustment of governmental services, and a re-evaluation of financial needs. San Diego is experiencing a leveling-off process from war-created highs of population and tax revenues. We are all hopeful that the reduction in each instance will not be excessive but the fact remains nevertheless that the community must establish a new yardstick with which to measure its tax requirements.
ORGANIZATION NEEDED
“The problems confronting us are not exclusively those of our public officials. The public itself has a definite interest in them, but being unorganized can accomplish little in the way of aiding to find solutions. It will be the purpose of the San Diego Taxpayers association to provide understanding, cooperative leadership in working harmoniously with the people’s elected representatives.”
The local group, he continued will have the benefit of statistical and factual data gathered by California Taxpayers association, supplemented by its own independent studies. “The assistance of the state-wide organization will be invaluable,” he added. “Its staff members have had years of experience in their specialized field, and are admirably qualified to give us, and local public officials, advice and counsel in ataining our objectives.”
STATE CHIEFS PRESENT
N. Bradford Trenham, general manager, and Alden C. Fensel, director of research, of the state association, consulted with the local group at its organization meeting.
Other than Whitney, the directors are Carl Hahn, vice president and treasurer, Walter Ames, vice president and secretary; William M. Shanahan, Donald E. Hanson, Raymond M. Wansley, Charles R. Goff, Edward C. Hall and Emery D. Sherwin vice presidents; Hance H. Cleland, George R. Daley, H.G. Fenton, George A. Scott, J.D. Forward, Joseph L. Green, O.J. Hall, Roscoe E. Hazard, Roy E. Hegg, George Heyneman, Hal G. Hotchkiss, Ray E. Craig, T.claude Ryan, Carl W. Williams, James C. Noakes and Walter Trepte.
Nathaniel P. Thomson has been appointed assistant secretary and manager, with offices in Room 361 Spreckels building. Until recently he was manager of the governmental affairs department of the chamber of commerce.