Imperial Valley press., 1944-03-30
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS
LET US OPEN THE DOOR


powerful driving force for this county
in the form of a Countrywide Planning
Commission, or Postwar Planning Com
mttee, or County Development Associa-
ton. Call the proposed organization
what you will, the suggestion that such
group be formed is one of the most solid
and practical to come before public opin-
ion since the building of the AH-Amerl-
can Canal and development of its power
potentials.
Much too long have the Chambers of
Commerce of I'll Centre and Brawley
and Calexico and Holtville taken the lead
in county programs. Much too long, also,
have our political bodies and political
representatives struggled with dissension
here at home and divided interests with
in the constituency.
AT long last, it appears Imperial Coun-
ty can take big step forward right at
time when opportunity knocks.
Opportunity is in the form of the ac-
cepted program throughout the state and
. nation to make elaborate postwar plans
NOW, so that our economy can go on
operating when the wheels of war indus
try start slowing down. And not the
least part Of the program entails crea-
ton of opportunity for honorably dis
come.
Millions and millions of dollars in the
state surplus will be used for elaborate
public expenditure. Will these dollars
be spent in Los Angeles, San Diego, or
San Francisco? How much will go to
the COW counties.
These are just couple of the vital
questions which we have a right to ask
and which we should be aggressive en-
ough to answer, by planning now to de-
mand rightful share of these funds for
works in Imperial County which should
be of intrinsic and sound value.
The second factor present is the ac-
cepted election of two new representa-
tives to our state legislature. and their
evident eagerness to go to Sacramento
determined to obtain for this county its
just deserts. New Brooms sweep clean,
and Senator-Elect Hulse and Assembly
man. Elect Buffers are determined to do
real job for this county.
With other communities hard at work
perfectlng their plans, this community
as a county can also define and program
its plans. Senator Luckey and Assembly,
man Hastain have been endeavorlng to
get the ball rolling, and now with the
old and new representatives, and an ar
reused interest by all concerned, some
real action should be obtained
NOT A PORK BARREL
1t has been wisely and commercially
stipulated by Ben Hulse that we want
no pork barrel point of view, and he
wants no part in any program which en-
tails grabbing state funds for unjustified
programs. Whatever this county pro-
poses must be of merit and permanent
value, either to the county, the residents.
or the state Every proposal must be
able to stand on its own feet; every plan
must be able to stand examination.
Meeting these requirements will be
huge task. Merging all proposals into a
consolidated countrywide construction
platform will be even larger.
Nothing short of a powerful group rep
resenting the entire county can do the
job.
: And every group and community and
element must stand ready to back UP
that group, must expect to give and
take of unity and for the betterment of
all.
We have the time, the need, the politi-
cal representation and the maEpoWer.
All we now need is unity, and Imperial
Valley has grown mature enough 10
show that our soil will grow crop of
cooperation just as profuse as the best
of our other famed crops.
Opportunity knocks. We must not fail
to open the door.