Imperial Valley press., 1943-12-03
POSTWAR PLANNING
IS JOB FOR TODAY

ID J0p tSN 1SbHl
What will be Imperial Valleys posi-
tion in the postwar world?
viii there be great unemployment
problem? What new industries or deVel-
opments may be opened which could pro-
vide jobs for the normal surplus of man
power in peacetime?
These questions, and many other SINH
lar ones, should be answered now if the
changeover from wartime to normality
is to be accomplished with the maxi
mum amount OF ease and the chaotic
conditions which developed after the
first World War are to be avoided.
Many other communities, counties and
sections have begun such a program and
are actually getting something done.
Quite a while ago the Associated cham
bers of commerce of the valley formed
postwar planning committee. That was
as far as it went.
The Ell Centre chamber of commerce
formed similar organization and got
no further.
The San Diego chamber also has such
a group. Robert ha, 5, iormer Ell Centre
chamber secretary, has been named to
open up an office in Washington, ID. c.,
to ''1ook after the interests of the grow
ing city on the Pacific coast. Undoubted-
~ much of his work in the capital will
consist of clearing path for the conver-
sion of San Diegos war industries to the
peaceful pursuits of a greatly expanded
industrial system.
Peoria, Illinois, is a city about the size
of San Diego before the war. Although
it has not had the great population in
crease of San Diego, it too has been
changed by war economy. But now, be-
lore the war is over and it is too late,
Peoria is being surveyed and studied in
tently by group of citizens who want
to know what the prospects are, in order
that they may make their battle plans
early.
The Peoria surveyors made some very
interesting and valuable findings. For
instance 900 workers are now engaged
in war work in the city. After peace ad-
justmentS have been made, it is estimated
that jobs will be available for $4,000.
The planners now have figure to shoot
at They can make their plans accord
ingly.
There are many questions ABOUT Impe-
rial Valleys present and potential econ
omies which may be asked. When will
construction on the All-American canal,
halted because of the war, be resumed?
NnaI la0uS VIII Dc opened up 10 dgIl-
cultural development? How many new
residents could make their homes on the
land?
Of course all answers would be specu
lative But they would be the guesseS
of experienced men who have been in
valuable both in peacetime and in war
time and are able to draw conclusions
intelligently.
Officials of our national government
are giving serious consideration to the
coming conversion, but necessarily on a
national scale This was evidenced by
the recent action of the House of Repre-
sentatives in cutting down treasury tax
request from 10 and half billions to a
little over two billions.
Charles S. Dewey, member of the
powerful House Ways and Means COM
mittee, from which tax programs Origi-
nate, explained the attitude OF many
congressman when he said:
"At present, taxes are so high that
there is little inducement to take risks.
IT the venture proSperS, nearly all gain
is taxed away. If losses are sustained,
the tax system gives little consideration
or compensation. When returning SOL
diers seek Jobs or desire to set up new
businesses for themselves, the tax sys-
tenn should be so amended that it will
favor adventures in industry and trade
instead of handicapping ther initiative" "
Freedom of enterprise-that essential
must be assured for the postwar world.