Imperial Valley press., 1940-04-16
New City Council Majority Chooses
Chief Of Police. DoIes Out Other
Jobs, Commission Appointments

the new treasurer, Howard Soper
and bonds received and approved
Gavin was bonded to $4,000 and
Soper to $4,000.
Then the Old board adjourned
for the last time, but not without
a farewell to Mayor Gordon ScrlVch'
to Harry SoneS and to Charles
BlalaCk. retiring members. Inc
privilege of brief word fell TO
Fawcett. senior member OF the
board. who thanked the retiring
mayor for patient consideration
and guidance afforded us curing
his term of office" He read a
verse of poetry entitled Am l a
Builder" that closed with:
lam shaping my deeds to a
we'll made plan,
patiently doing the best l can;
"Or am l wrecker who walks
the town,
"COntent with the labor of tear
ing down.
Il say definitely" Fawcett con-
tinued, that Gordon is a builder" "
Scriven was presented with a gold
watch charm bearing the seal OF the
city of Ell Centro with police COM
missioner 1936-40. mayor l940' en-
graved upon it. There was obvious
emotion in Scrivens voice as he
replied.
OSwalt Speaks
Just before the old council ad-
journed Chief Oswalt interjected a
word of farewall that included:
Il, too want to thank the coun-
Gil l have made many mistakes
but the council has always been
tolerant a.. We haven't always got
along :. mostly you were right
l hold no malice toward anyone in
Ell CentrO.
There followed a brief adjourn
ment and the new council con-
Iened.
First indication OF difference of
opinion was not long in reaching
the surface. It was caused by an
evidently planned course taken by
the new councilmen in dealing out
commissioner roles and jobs. with
out consultation with the two hold
over members of the board
Steamroller
When Bratton moved and He'll
promptly seconded that Fawcett re-
ceive the park and water commits
sion FaWcett baked.
This is just a little like pushing
something over . without giving
Us the chance of discussion 1
think you Cthe new councilmen)
should take the departments about
which you appear to have some
COubtS.
After some discussion FaWcett
agreed to take the office. The
new members appeared anxious to
hear any suggestions from the vet
eran members.
Next slight flareup came when
the question of new police chief
arose. The name of Ernest Cox
was promptly submitted by He'll
and seconded by Bratton.
Moore protested mildly that he
had had no chance of looking over
the applications.
Hasn't anybody else applied for
the job I haven't seen any
applications at all. Not that it
makes any difference!'
There was a laugh from the au-
dience Bratton offered to with
draw his second and there was n
period Of indecision during which
the clerk read the names of other
applicants. which included Harry
Long of Indio, R. R. VoyleS. T. A.
Eggleston A. R Underwood, Charles
Schlanze and Fred Elliott.
When the appointment was put to
a vote both FaWcctt and Moore
voted no.
Action on filling the city en2in-
GERS position was deferred after a
motion from BrattOn naming Don
Davis. present assistant was with
drawn. Inference was that the old
board members would be given a
chance to confer on the question
Next meeting of the council will
be Wednesday night