Imperial Valley Press

"THE LAST ROUND-UP"

Tomorrow California goes to the polls for its primary election and Imperial county will join with the other 57 in nominating and in some cases electing public officials.

The Press calls attention of the voters to the list of candidates whom it has endorsed, making each endorsement solely on the basis of experience and ability and without regard to personalities, which it does not believe should be allowed to enter into such an important matter as choosing public officials.

Heading the list is Congressman George Burnham, who has made a splendid record during his first term in congress and who, by reason of his wide acquaintance in the capital, can continue to represent the twentieth district in a most efficient manner if the people so decide.

For governor we consider Frank Merriam the outstanding Republican candidate. He has made good in the few months since fate placed him in the governor's chair, and is the state's bulwark against the radicalism which threatens to gain control of the state government.

George J. Hatfield we consider the outstanding Republican candidate for the office of lieutenant-governor and his record in legal and legislative matters stamps him as a man fully capable of presiding over the senate of the state legislature.

Frank Jordan, secretary of state; Ray L. Riley, controller, Charles G. Johnson, treasurer; and U. S. Webb, attorney-general, are all candidates for re-election, and few doubt that they will be returned to office, their long years of service having convinced the great majority of voters that they should be retained.

Harvey G. Cattell has given 15 years of service to the people of this state on the board of equalization and with the new duties imposed upon that body it is more important than ever before that men of his high type should be retained in office.

Assemblyman Samuel E. Robinson has served Imperial county creditably at the state capital and should be returned there, where his experience and the recognition accorded him as an able legislator will be an asset to this county.

For superior court judge, we believe Judge Vaughn N. Thompson, the incumbent, is worthy of re-election. He has fulfilled the duties of his office faithfully and has the respect and confidence of the people of this community.

Judge Emmet Seawell will undoubtedly be returned to office as associate justice of the supreme court, his record entitling him to such action by the voters. The same thing may be said of Judge Ira F. Thompson, candidate for the supreme bench on which he is now serving by appointment. Only a Sinclair-sponsored candidate opposes him.

I. Mayfield, justice of the peace, has served the people of this district faithfully and efficiently for nearly a quarter of a century and his record during that time is such as to prompt his return to office again.

Two school offices are on the ballot with Vierling Kersey, present superintendent of public instruction for the state, seeking re-election. Kersey has an exceptionally fine record and has the endorsement of this paper. C. B. Collins, county superintendent of schools, also seeks re-election. For four years he has served in this capacity in a highly creditable manner and under the economic handicaps of the times. We believe he should be continued in office.

Ed H. Law has been an efficient county clerk, who seeks reelection, and we believe the people of Imperial county will return him to that office at the primary.

In J. Sterling Oswalt, El Centro chief of police, the people have the opportunity to elect a capable and experienced peace officer as sheriff of the county. He has been successful in his present office, is considered one of the outstanding police officers in the Southwest, and has demonstrated a high degree of executive ability.

Nont J. Reid's long experience as tax collector fits him to conduct the combined office of tax collector and assessor, for which he is a candidate.

George Varney, county treasurer, seeks reelection and in our opinion is entitled to it on the basis of the ability he has shown during his first term in office.

Mrs. Evalyn Boman Westerfield, county recorder, has made good in that position and in asking re-election seeks the endorsement of the voters for an administration that has been efficient, economic and courteous.

D. L. Zinn is well qualified for the office of public administrator through long years of experience in Imperial Valley business circles and a desire to put his business experience at the service of the taxpayers of this community.

Walter Garey, auditor, and Elmer W. Heald, district attorney, are unopposed for office. It is to be hoped a handsome complimentary vote will be given to these two faithful officials.

Four candidates are seeking the office of county surveyor, which has attracted more attention at this election than in former ones.

Henry J. Burk, El Centro, incumbent, was first appointed to the office in 1919, and has held it continually since that time. He made the first survey of the All-American canal route and his data has been used on all subsequent surveys. His engineering experience has taken him to foreign countries and is represented in numerous construction jobs in all parts of the valley.

John T. Rice, former mayor and also former city engineer, has had long experience as an engineer and served as a major in the engineering corps during the World war. The major section of the San Diego highway in the valley was built under his supervision and he has recently been project engineer for the SERA.

C. J. Park, Brawley, is city engineer of that city. He served in this capacity from 1909 to 1914 and was again appointed in 1928, serving continuously since then. His engineering experience is extensive and long years of residence in the valley have made him familiar with its engineering work and needs.

Y. H. Poe, the fourth candidate, is a resident of the north end and has been in the valley since the pioneer days, much of his time being devoted to engineering work.