Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1931-08-06

Yes, Floyd B. Olson has tackled a
very tough job, for no public official
of Minnesota was ever confronted by
such serious responsibilities and
problems as those with which the
present governor has to deal.
Almost every legislative session,
since Minnesota took its place among
the sisterhood of states in 1858, has
added to the burdens and responsible
tiles of the governor In the neigh
borhood of hundred boards, bureaus,
departments and commissions are
now under the governors supervision
or jurisdiction. He appoints their
members and is held responsible for
the manner in which they discharge
their duties. If they prove inefficient,
or disloyal to their trust, the state suf-
fers and the governors standing with
the people is jeopardized. Hence, it
behooves him to give the most care
full consideration to the character and
ability of the men and women who
are available for these positions. This
involves conferences and consulta-
reading of almost innumerable let
ters
Never in the history of Minnesota
has there been such a pressure upon
a governor from candidates for ap-
pointive offices or positions. Not less
than 5000 men and women have pre-
scented their claims to Governor Olson
for appointments. The reason for this
unprecedented number is doubtless
found in the vast multitude of men and
women now without employment and
in the fact that Mr.. Olson is the first
governor of new political party.
After years of watchful waiting, a
multitude of faithful workers in the
political vineyard of the Farmer-La-
Dor party feel that the day of recon-
pense has come.
Almost without exception, the six
| thousand applicants for appointive
| positions have asked to see the COVER
nor, in order that they might present
their claims for recognition in person.
OF course, it would have been impos-
sible for the governor to grant all
these requests, even though he had
been charged with no other duty than
that of appointing men and women to
public office.
The governors policy has therefore
been to grant personal interviews only
to candidates for major appointments.
This policy has been made known by
| the governors secretaries and assist
ants to applicants for the minor posi-
tions, but many of these feel greatly
disappointed, if not offended, because
of their failure to present their claims
to the chief executive in person.
The duty of filling appointive posi-
tions in the public service is only one
of many duties with which the gov
ernor is charged.
The part entrusted to him by the
state constitution in the enactment Of
laws is of the utmost Importance and
involves a vast amount of labor. In
deed, few realize the long hours Of
intensive mental application the gov.
ernor must give to legislative prob
lens and legislation. Over four hun
dred bills, many of them of grea
length, were submitted to Governor
Olson by the recent legislature fol-
his approval or disapproval. Thi:
meant hours and hours of the mos
careful reading and study, for his re
sponsibility in approving or vetoins
bills is among the most serious dutie!
with which a statesman or public
servant can be charged. If, through
the governors negligence or indif
ference, a bad bill is approved b!
him, the entire state suffers. If, fol
the same reason, or because of defec
tive judgment or lack of loyalty tt
the states best interest, the governor
vetoes meritorious piece of legisla
ton, the state suffers also.
i. But the consideration of bills al
ready passed by the legislature il
only a part of the governors activ
tiles in connection with legislation
L. is absolutely necessary for him tt
. hold daily consultations with mem
I bers of the house and the senate ant
|. with other citizens of the state inter
ested in pending legislation. l an
certain that during the recent session
of the legislature Mr.. Olson devoted
, from five to six hours daily to sucf
consultations.
The responsibility borne by the gov
, ernor in connection with the granting
of pardons is of vast Importance. HI
is the head of the Pardon Board, the
other members of which are the chic
!; justice of the state supreme cour
and the attorney general. This board
has four regular sessions during thu
} year and several special meetings
At each regular session the board de
votes at least three days to public
hearings, when relatives of prisoners
in the state penitentiary and the state
reformatory have the opportunity Of
pleading their cause. About hun.
dred cases are scheduled for hearing
during each quarter. After the pub
lie hearing, the board goes into ex
ecutive session to render its verdict
/ Som ofinoc too tho hoard Uicitc the