The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1916-08-24
Republican Guberna.
tOrial Candidate
Makes Statement
URGES REFORM IN
STATE FINANCES
Lays Stress On His EX-
perience In Public
Office

Gerrit j. Diekema. of Holland,
candidate for the Republican nom.
nation for governor. Is out with a
statement setting forth his reasons
for desiring to be the chief eXecu-
tive Of the state. in which he says
he believes there is at this time a
greater opportunity TO do effective
and lasting service for the people
OF the stale than has been presented
TO any governor since the days of
the great Austin Blair"
Mr.. Diekema who has just finished
three days of vigorous campaigning
in Wayne county, is making his
campaign principally upon the bud
get proposition in state finances H.
lays particular stress on his expert.
ence in public affairs to show his
fitness for Office.
His statement follows.
why do I want 10 be governor
Fitst. because ! love Michigan, my
native state. whore have always
lived and been a grateful recipient
81 her advantages and favor, because
I cherish an ambition 20 contribute
To her progress as commonwealth
and TO the moral, social, economic
and Industrial welfare 81 her people
and because I feel that my experience
and many wears Of active service In
public affairs both state and national
would enable me 10 do 80.
second ! particularly want 10 he
30 a. -
cause ! believe that there will be a
greater uppOrtuntty 10 do effective
and lasting service for the people and
state than has been presented 20 any
governor since the DAYS ~ the great
Austin Blair To nv mind Michigan
viii have the opportunity ~ take her
place among the great common
wealth. IN meeting by Industrial.
economic and defensive preparedness
the supreme tost of the efficiency Of
democraCE IN the changed conditions
of civilization and highly
world mowers that VIII follow The
preseNt world conflict.
believe that through cooperative
EFFORT I could bring about increased
efficiency ~ legislation and the huai-
ness ndm nistratlon OF the govern
mcrt - the state
b"'e that governor. with
vido "Np~ricpce IN Legislative work
and familiar with federal and state
con-'t'ufions could ond ought 20 pre-
provisions from herouiuC laws. No
be declared unconstitutioual by tho
courts fA7i governor trained IN
Law AVID low-Wgkiug could exert q
powerful influence In the enactment
- fewer aud he't"r laws ~ making
Drorr"ss hy repcalivE poor laws as
wei ~ making good ones
Along tn" line Of increased efh
ciencN in the business management
o. -" state, want 20 aiI In cetah-
Fishing complete budget ,vsfarn
that would ploo" state approUrinfi ION z
upon . sr'-n'if' basis and which IN
my opinion wnUiI e"vc 30" rcoUle 2
verv la'Fr awouvt IN toVatIon each
year. without Repairing IN" needs or
uscful0"es 90 any state institution mr.
d'ppr'U NJ of a'3'" government No
one who has mot carefully studied the
merits - tho budget svetem MS tax
reducing. money saving agency can
realize its real potency In tho mean
time / would exercise my FUN power
priattOns and I'm bringing about intel
liR"nt publicity. ! also believe that
as governor could do much 70 on
courage and promote organized social
service among tn" people ~ the state.
NY experience In political orgnnl-
zation and my acuuaintaEce ia every
county in tho state would enable me
To appoint 10 office men ~ character
and ability, would cooperate In
bringing about necessary reforms i'm
preaent methods ~ state administra-
tion which would relieve the con
Htan'ly Increasing burden 81 state tax
es giving 10 the people On per cent
efficiency ana promoting their gen
eral welfare. In this connection
VIII say that " nominated and elect
ed would assume the duties and re-
sponslhIlitirE Of tho executive Office
without single promise 81 any kind
10 fuldll or violate, without ohliga
ton to any individual or orEaniza
ton, private or corporate other than
nv official oath and 10 do tho right
"a am given power 10 sec the right
] would assume tho duties ~ tho If
nee with an open mind. free to con
slider and act upon any matter that
might arise In tho RoVcrnmenA OF
tho state
I beliovc that tho governor at all
times, both within and without tho
state, should he ready and able to
voice from platform and rostrum the
highest ideals aims. purposes and
best traditions 81 tho people Of his
state. This work would appeal ia
mo with resistlcss power
Again. | want to be nominated and
elected governor TO demonstrate tina,
tho electorate OF Michigan can ever
else their deliberate intelligent judg
ment In the selection and election ~
a governor. and that with them the
merits and qualifications ~ the can
dldate arc more potential than the
lavish and illegitimate use Of money