Hungry Horse news., 1954-07-02
The Sheriff Issue

Principal contest in the Flatheads election thi
year concerns the office of sheriff.
There is background that may result in thi
particular campaign becoming exceedingly interest
ing and informative to citizens.
Question of gambling pops up in number o1
sheriff elections the state, and could become
an issue in the Flathead
In fact the Flathead is the birthplace of new
movement that would establish legalized gambling
in the state to follow the Nevada pattern There is
considerable support and groups that one would
expect to oppose such moves peacefully Craze on
green pastures.
Montana legally is opposed to all gambling, but
one wouldn't know it in the Flathead among num-
ber of counties. We are not the worst or best in
this respect.
There is reason to believe that stamping out
gambling is impractical. A saner approach may be
to legalize the pastime to reasonable extent and
derive tax revenue for further support of govern
ment. Laws that cannot be enforced should not be
on the books.
Sheriff Walsh has sidestepped the gambling
issue He has managed to be out hunting elk,
recolect at times certain few raids staged in
this gambling. This may be the practical
approach Walsh has been a successful candidate,
and is the favorite to win again.
Another complaint is that the sheriff favors
some bars over others, and that he has been in
discreet at times.
than the fellow who seeks the position. To Walshs
credit, his office has the reputation for having
fine set of files, and approaches the problem of
crime in a scientific, modern manner.
The opposition of course can point out unsolved
burglaries. Some have occurred right here. On the
other hand we doubt that any sheriff is 100 per
cent successful in crime detection 1t will be in
teresting to see how Walsh actually rates in this
respect.
Again this year, expect to hear the fam
liar chant that Walsh can't operate the sheriffs
office without going into the red and having to get
an emergency budget. He does. This may be that
the county commissioners through the years have
been tight when it comes to money for law enforce
ment.
Top achievement of Walsh's administrations as
we see it was establishing the Flahead Rescue and
Lifesaving association.
In this fishing and hunting country with
lakes and rugged country, such association
is necessity.
Last week found Walsh in Columbia Falls re-
establishing the Columbia Falls branch of the life
saving group. Bud Darling, who has been acting
head here through the years. was elected chair
man. Walsh also announced that 5000 was being
given Columbia Falls, and that $500 had been given
Bigfork. This development could have taken place
a year ago when there just as much need, in
stead of less than month from the primary cleo
ton.
One should not criticize Walsh for wanting to
associate the fesaving organization with his office
The association is a definite credit and candidate
Tor office can use headlines. Walsh certainly does
In any event. we believe the county is really
going to campaigning this year for the position
If sheriff. There are number of men seeking the
,ffice who appear qualified.
1t is an important job At the same time, it is
lot to the credit of citizens of Montana that the pay
S just $3,820 year. MR.