New Britain herald., 1930-08-15
Ii. O. P. SELECTMEN
 SEEK REELECTION
James Simpson and William
 DoWnham On Ticket Again
PRIOR REMAINS QUIET
2cquassen Lodge Holds Important Meeting-Old Timers Engage In Great Exhibition of National Pas time-No Trace of Robbers.

1Iatt ol ItDpDtIss
 First Selectman James Simpson.
 Uho is completing his third term in office, announced this morning thay
 he would be a candidate for renom-
 lnation and reelection on the re- publican ticket in the coming fall election, Mir. Simpson, in announe- ing his candidacy stated that he is 1 willing to serve in office for anoth-
 CT year if he is the choice of the townspeople,
 It was also learned today on good authority that William Downham, who has been second selectman for i the past two years. would be can 1 didate for reelection on the G, Q. r. ticket in the fall.
 Edward P. Prior. democratic standard bearer, who has been third selectman for the past two terms, stated today that he had not given any consideration to the matter as yet and did not know whether he would be selected 10 head the Jef- fersonian ticket again this year. MT. Prior has been the democratic candidate for first selectman for two years, He also stated today that he was not ready to make any announcement to the public and had not given politics any thought. 1t is expected, however, that he will be in the field again for 8 place on the board of selectmen
 At present no other candidate for selectman is known and unless a dark" horse throws his hat into the ring, ir appears as though the present board of selectmen will be reelected to the same positions tha. they hold now
 James Simpson
 MT, Simpson has headed the board of selectmen for the past three years. He has also served as second select man for a number Of years during the administration Of First Select man William J. Johnson.
 III health hampered his political aspirations in 1926 but he continued as second solectman under John J. klmmel, who recently passed away. In the republican caucus of 1927. Mr. Simpson defeated the late Mr. kimmel and was swept into office by large majority. In 1928 and 1929, MT. Simpson vas the unani- nous choice Of his party and defeated the democratic nominee. Edward Prior, by large majorities.
 During his threH terms. Mr. Simp- son has played an important part in the rapid advance of Plainville, giv- ing unlimited time and energy to conferences, hearings and studies of plans Of various civic projects Dur ing his administration the town has witnessed the beginning Of park system, the reyalUation of all taxa ble property on an systcmized basic. the tablishment of town court, the acquisition of a new state high way along East street, the adoption of definite rules concerning peddlers to protect the merchants Of the town, the completion of q s30. GOO addition 10 the Linden street school any many other school improve mcnts. the official recognition of the campaign for public library and the appointment of committees to work towards this end.
 Although a provision storekeeper by trade, Nr. Simpson spends most i of his time every day al his office in the town hall.
 William Downham
 William Downhan. who has served as second selectman under Mr, Simpson for the past two years, en- tered politics for the first time in 1927. He is a plumber by trade and . conducts an establishment on Whit ing street. He is a foreman in the fire department and member of the . republican town committee. He has always taken an active interest in the civic affairs of the town. He is connected with the Knights of py- 'hias and has held office in the or ganizaton on numerous occasions,
 He is well known for his genial disposition and has helped the li- brary fund this summer by arrang-