The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1931-11-19
THE INFORMATION

THE INFORMATION
In this weeks issue is printed a letter from
Mrs. Nelson Williams, in which she asks
some questions regarding the coming irriga-
ton district election Herewith we'll attempt
to give the information she seeks.
Taking her questions in the order she has
asked them: "Why this particular election is
of so much more Importance than any of the
former ones ?" she answers herself. That on
account of the general economic situation
great care must be exercised to prevent a
further slump in our local DEAL
Questions 2 and can be answered to-
gether. "Why is this election to be hot one
and why the active interest on the part OF
non voters in the City of Kennewick." Sim
ply this: That even tho city residents some
of them-have no vote on the selection OF
the director, nevertheless, the conduct and
success of the ditch is of just as much i'm
portance to city residents as it is to the
farmer who buys water for forty acres
Many of the city residents even some of
them who have no vote in this district-have
investments here which are larger, on the
average, than the average farmer has. With
out the successful operation of the canal, of
course these investments would be jeopar-
died. Hence the intense interest in the cleo
ton. And, we have no doubt, on account of
the methods employed in the recent election,
this one will not be permitted to go by de-
fault
Of course, the whole thing now before the
people in this election is this: In what way
can the best interests of the district be serv-
ed? Whether or not Mr.. Johnston is reflect
ed to the board is simply matter of view
point, and not one of personalities.
To some, the writer included, the manager
of the ditch is the most important cog in the
whole situation. The selection of man for
that position who by training and exper-
fence can best do the work is the man who
should, in these troublous times by all means
be kept at the helm. Inasmuch as the pres
ent board has seen fit to discharge such
man, the thing then remains to change the
board which has charge of the employment
of the manager.
AS we stated in previous editorial, Mr..
Johnston has indeed, given a great deal of
time and thought to ditch matters. But in
view of the recent actions of the board it is
evident that his thought has been misdirect-
ed. And no doubt his time has been compen-
stated for.
Can we longer trust so vital matter to
man who discharges an experienced, eff
cient employee to hire near relative with no
practical ditch experience?
Mrs. Williams asks if the district should
risk making change at this time? No, de-
cidedly not. That's the very nub of it. john
ston, in his capacity as director has done
that very thing. We think, as Mrs. Nelson
does, that under the circumstances change
at this time is i'll advised
The question is not one entirely of geog-
raphy, tho it does seems reasonable that all
sections of the district should have repre-
sentation on the board. It's been the custom
In this district to select the directors in that
manner
No, Mrs. Williams, there is no hidden pur-
pose. We are all shooting at the same mark.
We want the ditch to be run as efficiently
and as cheaply as it is possible to do it. The
success of the farmers under the ditch.
those of the Highlands and of the people who
live in town is all bound up in the same thing.
Without the ditch none of us could stay. It's
question of viewpoint only Some of us
think it is more to the point, more business
like and safer, to spend dollar-if need no
and be safe than to save penny and take
chances on the very vital question of a con
tinous, sufficient flow of water during the