The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1943-02-19


10 vote their own way and not
the way of special interest
groups.
Second To speak was Andrew
Winberg (D), Of Grays county. He
was brief and asked members to
vote for the initiative. He ex-
planned that everybody knew what
the measure was about and asked
that they too vote the way they
felt.
Then members began 10 speak
as they were given permission by
the speaker. Everybody talked in
firm. slow, serious tone. Nobody
was engaging in oratory. Every
body had a story TO tell and was
telling 1t In a sincere manner.
Rep. Charles Hodde Cd. of Col
vile spoke In behalf of the mea-
sure. He gave Tacoma as an out
standing example OF publicly-own-
ed utilities. He told the house that
Tacoma's rates were the lowest in
the country simply because the
plant was well-managed and the
people of Tacoma had voice in
its future. He felt that other
power companies could do well to
follow Tacoma's example.
The only Pierce county repre-
sentative to speak was lack vane
Cd. Speaking on behalf of voting
for the measure Vane said:
81 want TO call your atten-
ton 10 the fact that this IN
really a democratic process
we are going through. The
senators and representatives
are elected by the people. Two
years from now we are going
back 10 those same people for
reelection. They Will have
their voice then. But. now, we
are representing them and
let's vote on this measure the
way we feel they want us 10.
II feel this initiative Ia a
step In the right direction and
urge that you vote for IT,"
In all, Ia members spoke for
and against the measure. They
were now ready for the vote. The
clerk was ready to call the roll.
The house was SO silent that a
gum-chewing clerk in the gallery
drew disappearing glances from
spectators beside her.
When Arthur Bassett fR) of Ia
coma voted the ballot stood tied
at four each way. When Frank
Chervenka (Dl of Sumner cast
his vote, the count was two to one
for the measure. BY the time
A. Il. Comfort (R) of Tacoma
was answering. the vote was again
tied.
Cliff Erdahl CD and S. c.
Erickson (Rl voted and the issue
was still tied. II was not until
John McMonagle's vote was cast
that the trend began to show. BY
then the measure was enjoying a
three to two lead.
The final vote showed 81 mem
bers for and 81 against. Follow
ing is how the Pierce county dele
cation voted:
For the initiation: C. A. Erdahl.
John McMonagle. w. C. P. Med
dins. Hugh Rosellini and lack
Vane.
Against the initiative: Arthur
Bassett, Frank Chervenka. A. B.
Comfort. s. c. Erickson and Tom
Montgomery.
Comfort explained his vote of
mo" as follows:
This measure does not pro-
tect the interests of Tacoma's
utilities. I predict this thing
will he changed before long.
Before YOU know it, the fed
eral power administration will
move In and take over all
utilities. This initiative viii
not protect us from such en-
croachment."
Said Chervenka:
81 feel the people should
have n chance 10 vote on the
matter. There Is still no an
swer to my question as to why
the measure was not placed
on the ballot last November.
I believe In public power. but
do not like TO see II damned
down the peoples throats."
Explained Arthur Bassett:
This should have been de-
cided by the people. Instead
of thousands of voters having
chance to express them
selves. IL was left up to n
body of hess than $50 TO de-
eide. And then only 80 voted
In favor of II. This thing will
now have TO 20 TO the courts
for n final decision"
s. c. Erickson said:
Il didn't approve of the
initiative method In this case.
Hts a matter of five per cent
of the people telling what the
other IS per cent must do.
] On issues this important the
people themselves must de-
eide what Is TO be done"