The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1935-04-08

Flanagan called on the bank ex.
aminers for an audit Of books Of this
department. but the audit failed to
start when Olson expressed his in
tention Of fighting the removal
order.
With Olson's attorneys preparing
an appeal to the state supreme court,
it will be second time anco last
August that determination of the
rightful holder Of tho office Of hiei1-
way commissioners has been placed
in the hands Of the high court.
Much has been said regarding the
political complexion Of the highway
department" Wexford said in his
statement TT has been made the
goat for all the political football
that there has been In the state Dc.
partments. regret that the depart.
ment will come to me With that mise
homer.
1T Was with . great deal Of ~.
greet that I asked for Mr.. Olson'o
resignation and It was with more re.
greet that found it incumbent upon
me to file charges against him tend
ing toward his removal.
My motives are questioned and
am accused Of playing politics. In
the eyes of those opposed to me
am convicted Of playing politics and
the opposition will say that I only
wished to get Mr.. Olson out OF my
way"
Says He Was Ignored
Wexford said the highway depart
ment had ignored" the office Of
governor and had not conferred with
him regarding financial policies,
plans or needs Of the department"
Prom the time I took the office
Of governor, was confronted with 4
situation which permitted no other
alternative. Here was the case OF
the most important department in
the state, one which extends closer
to the homes Of the people than any
other department, the one depart
ment whose activities reflect upon
me quicker than Ill others"
The federal bureau of roads
notified him that he would be held
responsible" for the highway depart
ment, Wexford said.
They notified me Of q situation
and of conditions which existed and
at the same time advised that they
did not hold Mr.. Olson responsible
for these conditions" he continued.
Scores Federal Bureau
They would not permit me to be
the judge of necessary remedies.
They passed responsibility to me and
at the same time prescribed the man.
ner In which must remedy the con-
dition.
tentative to satisfactorily operate the
department to the point which
would be willing to be responsible
for the acts Of the department q .
whole and Of the activities Of tho
employees and that was to name my
own commissioner"
Selection Of Flannigan was made BY
Wexford after thorough Investigation
OF his record" the chief executive de-
clared.
Says Flannigan Competent
II believe he II most competent for
the detail" Wexford added. "5e Is
personally honest and has had enough
experience Ia the maintenance divi-
sion. together with his native ability.
to make It possible to secure : COM
plete and thorough reorganization Of
the highway department TO the end
that : satisfactory and competent
maintenance force may - put h thu
fIeld.
II IN perfectly willing o D haad
accountable and roGponGlhle fce TIT
department . loog O haSo co11rol
over poEsonnel - H. dGpaxtm1nks
x1annlean Was maintenance ooei-
neer under Frank y. Vocal, W1O Wns
removed hon olf1ee 1T Aa1Cut ~
Cupreme court oel1se. - ~ -
N active factor = IT. enocut1vo Go
mittee Of III Monport1Gon IannO.
and WAS ON q ~ a1annch So
pcrters Of 1lrs. lgGia l4nGne = o.
IN compo1n - 3oe. n (