The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-05-27
SINGLETON IS
ASPIRANT FOR
PRESENT POST
Public Service Commission
Berth, Open Soon, Draws
Few Candidates.
LEFT UP TO GOVERNOR
Incumbent Willing to Serve
Again, but Makes No
Active Campaign.
BY DANIEL H. KIDNEY
BY DANIEL II. KIDNEY

BY DANIEL III. KIDNEY
Despite the depression, resulu..
in lawyers without clients and po-
liticians without posts, a $4,000 state
position is up for consideration by
Governor Harry G. Leslie. with few
applicants. it was learned today.
The post is that now held by
Frank T. Singleton, Republican
member of the public service COM
mission, whose term expires July l.
So far. Singleton is the only appli-
cant of prominence for the posi-
ton.
In letter to Leslie asking re-
appointment, Singleton sets out that
he desires to be retained: will make
no campaign for the place; ex-
presses willingness to answer any
questions on his record, and will
leave the entire matter to the Gov
ernor.
Is "Public's Man"
Singleton, for the last several
years. has advanced the "public's
view" of utility control. as opposed
to the utility viewpoint" as ex-
pressed by Chairman John w. Nc
Cardle.
Although known to oppose Single
ton. McCardle said he will take no
part in the reappointment matter
by expressing his views to the Gov
ernor, unless solicited"
Meanwhile. the file of letters at
the Governors Office over the post
remains meager.
It contains an explosive letter
from State Senator Earl Rowley
CRep., Laporte), urging that Single
ton not be reappointed. Rowley
has been irate at Singleton since
he lost a telephone rate case con-
Quoted by the commissioner.
Rowley failed of denomination for
the senate at the spring primary.
Endorsed by League
Then there is a letter from Ralph
K. Lowder, Martinsville, which sets
out that Singleton has been in
dorsed by the Municipal Rights
League OF Indiana. This organiza-
ton is composed of city officials
fighting utility rates and seeking
complete and local control of mu-
nicipal plants.
Chief among those recommended
TO succeed Singleton are Attorney
C. Lewis Green. formerly with John
S. Powell, utility attorney here,
and L. z. Banta, traffic manager of
the indianapolis Board of Trade.
Green is recommended by Con-
gresham Fred Purnell and Banta
by L. A. Downs Of the Illinois Cen
trail railroad.
Two others recommended them
selves for the place, setting out in
their letters that they had learned,
through the press, that a vacancy
would occur.
Worked for Utilities
w. L. Lownsn, 30, TT. Wayne,
would like TO have it, as he has
worked for three or four power and
light companies" he said.
Clyde @. Stillhammer, Madison,
will take either the public service
commission position or an appoint
ment on the state armorY board, he
declared. His letter said he is an
ex-service man.
State Senator Byron Huff CRep),
Martinsville, has been boosted for
the place by friends. but 1t is said
that he is for Singleton, who also
halls from that city.
Fred and Dorothy Cunningham,
close friends OF the Governor and
also from Martinsville, are among
chief Singleton hackers. Miss Gun.
ningham is national Republican
committeewoman for Indiana.
So far Leslie has remained nom
committal
Opposed to Yergin
This is said not TO be so regard
ing reappointment of Horace q.
Yergin Dem), Newcastle, member
Of the state industrial board, whose
term expires June l. The post must
be filled by a Democrat, but Leslie
is said to be opposed to retention
Of Yergin.
1t Is reported that Secretary of
State Frank Mayr Jr., who has CO.
operated closely with Leslie's adj
ministration, although a Democrat,
may have considerable TO say re-
garding the choice.
Many applications are on file for
the position, which pays $4,000.
The list includes the following from
Indianapolis: George H. Tomlin-
son, Fred F. Smith, William T.
Young, and Miss Esther Schmitt.
Clinton T. Brown, Kokon1o, also
is being boosted.
Senator James E. Watson sent a
letter on behalf Of Smith, a gradu-
ate Of Indiana university law