anaheim-gazette 1930-08-07

JAMES SLEEPER RAPS POLITICIANS Replies to Charges Hurlled by Montgomery at Placentia Chamber Meeting Pointing out the falsity of charges hurled against him by those he termed as "politicians," County Assessor James Sleeper, when addressing members of the Placentia chamber of commerce at the regular luncheon held Tuesday noon, challenged his opponent at the primary election, Mr. Montgomery, to definitely point out inequalities of assessments and literally to "come down to earth instead of talking in the clouds." Assessor Sleeper's talk was in reply to the speech made before the Placentia booster body the week before by Mr. Montgomery. Other political figures, including Candidates Ralph McFadden, Leo Porter, Mrs. Spanglar, also spoke. Assessor Sleeper's talk follows: "In replying to the talk made before your body last Tuesday by Mr. Montgomery, candidate for county assessor, I want to state that he made a great many vague assertions about the way I conduct the assessor's office. Why all these underhanded assertions? Why didn't he have his manager and advisor bring these matters before the board of equalization, which it was his duty of do, and insist that he subpoena these big interests before that board and show cause why their assessments should not be raised and equalized with other property? Why was it that no member of the late grand jury came before the board and asked to have the assessments of the big fellows raised? I can tell you why, neither he nor the members of the late grand jury could show by the assessments that any big interests were favored by the assessments or in any other way. It begins to look to me as if some of the big interests are back of him and his manager and advisor to get me because they can not handle me. "It was told around the north end of the county a few weeks ago that a certain oil tank farm near Cypress cost $13,000,000 and that I had assessed the oil companies to fill out each year, giving their production for the 12 months preceding March of each year. Today every assessor in the state who has oil producing properties in his county is using this form. He did not tell you that I was the first to assess oil property according to production. Ask any of the oil companies and they will tell you that I was the cause of their being assessed higher than ever before. He did not tell you that I was the first and only assessor to send out blank forms to the ex-service men so they could fill out this blank and claim exemption. I was the first to make the entire assessment roll on the typewriter, the first assessor in the county to appoint a tree valuation man and a building valuation man so as to equalize this class of property, and I will put on a man for real property valuations as soon as I am allowed funds for this purpose. "Right here I want to reply to Mr. Montgomery's statement that I have defied the will of the people and also the grand jury's recommendation in regard to a revaluation of the county. You will remember that the grand jury recommended that the board of supervisors appoint a committee of 5, one from each supervisorial district. Does this say anything about the assessor appointing them? Why blame me, the supervisors can appoint this committee with the understanding that they must raise the assessments and not lower the same, according to the laws of the state governing taxation. Is it any wonder then that Mr. Montgomery and his manager want to shift the blame to me? They had all the chance in the world to bring all these inequalities before the board of equalization if they could prove them, but they could not, so they are now trying to cannaultage the issue by blaming me. Whenever the taxpayers want a revaluation of this county, which if properly done by outsiders, will cost around $100,000. I will be for it, but at the present time I do not think the real taxpayers (not the politicians) are in favor of it. "The late Board of equalization was in session here 2 weeks in July and only had 21 complaints and in the 20 years that I have been your assessor there have not been 35 changes in my assessments, something no other assessor in the state can say with the equal number of firms." no member of the late grand jury came before the board and asked to have the assessments of the big fellows raised? I can tell you why, neither he nor the members of the late grand jury could show by the assessments that any big interests were favored by the assessments or in any other way. It begins to look to me as if some of the big interests are back of him and his manager and advisor to get me because they can not handle me. "It was told around the north end of the county a few weeks ago that a certain oil tank farm near Cypress cost $13,000,000 and that I had assessed it for less than $3,000,000. I assessed this tank farm for $2,720,740, which was a just assessment and Mr. Montgomery's manager knows it. As a matter of fact, I think that Mr. Montgomery and his manager and advisor are more interested in the vote of the taxpayer than they are in his financial welfare. "Mr. Montgomery told you that the assessor's office is conducted in an inefficient manner. He can not point to an assessor's office in this state that has a better set of records and maps than the assessor's office of this county. Ask the state board of equalization, the state controller or any government inheritance tax agent and they will verify my statement as they deal with all county assessors in the state. He told you of all the wrong things I have done in the assessor's office, but none of the good things, as he was not looking for them. I will give you a few of the things I have done that are worth while to the taxpayer and which you should know about. When I became assessor of this county there were but 3 pieces of oil property assessed for as much as $100 per acre, some land with wells flowing 600 barrels per day assessed at $37 per acre. The same property today is assessed in the thousands of dollars per acre. He did not tell you that there was one oil company in the county which has averaged a tax for the past 10 years greater than the total paid by all the taxpayers of Orange county in 1910, the year before I became your assessor. This same company (Standard Oil Co.) has paid me for their mineral right tax in the past 10 years $5,108,553.70 and this does not include their real estate, wells, pipe lines, gasoline plants, service stations, shops and other equipment. He did not tell you that 10 of our largest oil companies paid in taxes in 1929 $1,210,686.75. He did not tell you that the Irvine company in 1910 paid a tax of $24,217.73 and in 1929 paid a tax of $205,938.72, they having sold off several thousand acres since 1910. They have the lowest tax rate in the county, a rate of $2.70 on account of having no special districts. He did not tell you that I was the first assessor in the state to get up a production form for they could not, so they are now trying to camouflage the issue by blaming me. Whenever the tax payers want a revaluation of this county, which if properly done by outsiders, will cost around $100,000, I will be for it, but at the present time I do not think the real taxpayers (not the politicians) are in favor of it. "The late Board of equalization was in session here 2 weeks in July and only had 21 complaints and in the 20 years that I have been your assessor there have not been 35 changes in my assessments, something no other assessor in the state can say with the equal number of assessments. San Diego county after spending over $350,000 and 5 men still working on the revaluation of the county, had 237 complaints before the board of equalization last month to our 21 in this county. "This whole revaluation scheme was started for a political purpose and that was to injure me politically because one of the would-be political bosses could not control me. I told him as long as the people of this county elect me their assessor I was going to be assessor and would not be dictated to by any other official or individual. "There was a map of Orange county exhibited here a few weeks ago for the purpose of comparing the assessed value of the north half against the south half of the county. I considered this an insult to the intelligence of the people of this county, comparing hills, mountains, part of the Irvine ranch, 67,585 acres of the Cleveland National Forest (which he would have you believe is assessable) and the most sparsely settled part of our coast line against what he calls the north half of the county which comprises all of the cities of the county, the Santa Ana valley which is considered one of the richest spots on earth, and the coast line from Seal Beach to Corona Del Mar and all the rich oil lands of the county. I think you will agree with me when I again say that I consider this an insult to the intelligence of the people of Orange county. "I conclude I want to state that every assessment made by this office and every assessment made since 1890 in this county, can be found on the assessment rolls filed in the auditor's office and are open to anyone wishing to view the same. How can I cover up an assessment under these conditions, as some people would have you believe? "Thanking you for the privilege of being with you and hoping I have given you some information that will be of benefit to you in casting your vote for assessor, I again thank you." Authorized Publicity "Yes," said the fat man, "my size doesn't worry me, because everywhere I walk around, people laugh at me, and that makes me feel small." We nominate for a fine big medal this telephone user: He never calls or dials from memory, when he's in the least doubt about the number. He speaks the number distinctly— His lips about an inch from the mouthpiece. Or, if dialing, he does so accurately— Without haste! SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TELEPHONE COMPANY GOOD DEMAND FOR OUR FRUIT Eastern Market Holds Steady On Sunkist Oranges and Lemons A good demand for California oranges is being shown throughout the country even with the general price reductions prevalent in other food commodities, according to R. Z. Eller, dealer service manager of the California Fruit Growers Exchange on his return from a survey of Sunkist merchandising work in the important markets of the United States and Canada. "Consumers, considering general business conditions, have been taking Sunkist oranges and lemons freely," stated Mr. Eller. "Confidence in the dependability of the nationally advertised trademark is definitely expressed by housewives in these times of careful buying." "Retailers are showing a great deal of enthusiasm for California citrus fruit and have turned to with a will in their share of the distribution of this year's crop. Close margins and careful merchandising have in many instances resulted in a very satisfactory volume of business for alert merchants," explained Mr. Eller. "It is extremely noticeable as the years pass that dealers are becoming more and more respective to merchandising work on the part of national advertisers. This year Sunkist has met with extremely favorable cooperation on the part of the trade in all sections of the country. "The consumption of oranges in the fresh fruit drink field has been decidedly favorable this year due to the increased number of fresh fruit drink stands, warm weather throughout the East, and the acceptance of orange juice, lemonade and orangeade as national health drinks," continued the Sunkist dealer service manager. "The recent inauguration of Exchange merchandising service for restaurant owners is a new innovation in dealer service activities which is meetink with decided success throughout the country. This immense field is meeting with decided success throughout the country. This immense field is largely undeveloped and a special drive is now being made to inform restaurant owners of proper buying methods and get them to make better use of their window space by introducing displays of oranges and lemons an dthe featuring of fresh citrus drinks," concluded Mr. Eller. During the trip, which covered all of the principal markets of the United States and Canada, two dealer service meetings were held, one in Chicago and the other in Boston. At the meetings the present season's merchandising plans were discussed and dealer service activities for next year were outlined. The dealer service manager worked with each of the 22 dealer service men in their own territory calling on the trade and becoming acquainted with conditions in those markets. Daily Agriculture Program Beginning each day at 12 p.m. and continuing 10 minutes, talks of interest to farmers, growers and producers will be given during the week beginning August 11, under the auspices of the Agricultural Extension Service, cooperating with Radio Station KFI, as follows: August 11—"Walnut Question Box," M. H. Klimball, Assistant Farm Advisor, Los Angeles County. August 12—"Australian Cottontail Menace." H. A. Christman, Rabbit Producer. August -3—"Proper Maturity Standard for Grapefruit," B. A. Harrigan, Agricultural Commissioner, Imperial County. August 14—"John Stephen McGroarty, Conservationist." Judge H. I. Cruzan, Vice-President, Los Angeles Conservation Association. August 15—"Summer Suggestions for Lemon Trees." V. F. Blanchard, Farm Advisor, Ventura County. MANY APPLY FOR STATE AID Nearly 7,000 Applications Received by Welfare Department Since January 1 Nearly 7,000 applications for state aid have been received by the state department of social welfare since January 1, when the new aid to the needy aged law went into effect. Of these approximately 2,500 have been acted upon, according to the department. Recognizing that the avalanche of applications would soon overwhelm the department., many new assistants have been added to the force checking over the pleas for aid and it is expected that the workers will catch up with the applications within a few months. "Until the present year the counties have been charged with care of the needy aged," said Mrs. Anna L. Saylor, department director. To determine roughly what the state could expect if it took over part of this aid the department made a survey for the legislature. It showed that in 1928 the counties were granting aid to 2,470 needy persons over 70 years of age and outside institutions. Of this number only 1,580 were known to meet the conditions of eligibility as to age, citizenship, residence and need specified in the present law. But nearly four times as many persons applied for aid than we had estimated were eligible. Consequently we have had to greatly increase our staff to care for these unexpected requests. The counties and the state share equally in the aid and for this reason every application must be studied by the state and rejected or approved. "It is our obligation to protect the state's interests and we therefore give each application minute attention," Mrs. Saylor declared. "Word has reached that reports are being broadcast that the state sends four and five separate investigators to see these people who apply. This is not true. We send no one to interview applicants, trusting entirely to the re- "The consumption of oranges in the fresh fruit drink field has been decidedly favorable this year due to the increased number of fresh fruit drink stands, warm weather throughout the East, and the acceptance of orange juice, lemonade and orangeade as national health drinks," continued the Sunkist dealer service manager. THE CANDIDATE WHOSE CHARACTER AND TRAINING QUALIFY HIM FOR SHERIFF James M. Pearson FOR SHERRIF Elect RAY ADKINSON Superintendent Of Public Schools ORANGE COUNTY College Trained for School Administrative Work 11 Years Experience in Public Schools Charles Kuchel (Incumbent) Candidate for Re-Election JUSTICE OF PEACE Anaheim Township Charles Kuchel (Incumbent) Candidate for Re-Election JUSTICE OF PEACE Anaheim Township Re-Elect Wm. C. Jerome AUDITOR of Orange County Keep a faithful and efficient man in office Primary election Tuesday, August 26, 1930. All LA Climb aboard the easy-rider wagon and get your set of Victoria pattern. You often need an extra silverware on occasions, or afternoons or evenings. regular guarantee. Just get one subscription in the order with a check and we'll gladly give you ANAHEI Phone 72 McFadden Plans Are Perfected Pointing out that, under the present plan of budgeting, the cost of policing groves comes from the county's general fund, and if this expense were charged to the sheriff's office where he stated, it belongs, the cost of operating this office would undoubtedly be in excess of its present budget, Ralph J. McFadden, candidate for sheriff, addressed a group of 30 citizens at Buena Park last week. Definite plans for the promotion of a successful campaign for the election of this candidate were perfected at the meeting. S. James Tuffree of Placentin, president of the McFadden for Sheriff club, introduced Fred Bastady as chairman of the evening. Other speakers who supported this candidate were William Schumacher of Buena Park who endorsed McFadden as being qualified for the sheriff's office. O. T. Stephens, La Habra, and Walker Davis, Brea, who stated that prompt and efficient work was necessary; H. A. Lake, Garden Grove, who stressed newspaper advertising, mentioning local supporters; Archie Fay of Anaheim, who spoke of efficient executive work; Ross Shafer, Tustin, who told of McFadden's honesty and integrity, and Lotus H. Loudon of Anaheim, who stated that unified action was necessary in putting over a successful campaign. Bids Opened for Citrus Buildings Bids for the construction of two new buildings to be erected at the University of California Citrus Experiment Station, at Riverside, were opened last week in Los Angeles by Chief Clerk W. D. Drew of the station and Assistant Comptroller R. M. Underhill of the university. The buildings to be constructed include a chemical laboratory building and an insectary. Both structures are to cost $50,000. Bids for the construction of the insectary ranged from $5,000, the lowest, to $21,540, the highest, a total of 16 bids being received. Seventeen bids were placed for the chemical laboratory building, ranging from $46,635 to $67,-785.65. Seven firms bid on the installation of electrical equipment in the two buildings, ranging from $8,467 to $11,230. Six firms bid on the laboratory equipment and furniture for the chemical building, the bids ranging from $20,522.95 to $39,029.30. All of the bids were submitted to the regents and it is expected they will be acted upon and the contracts authorized at their next meeting on August 12. The contractors asked for approximately three months to complete the buildings. "What is the name of your car?" "I call her 'Shasta'." "Because she's a 'daisy'?" "No; because she has to have gas, she has to have oil, she has to have air, she has to have something all the time." Efficiency and Courtesy J. C. LAMB County Tax Collector (Incumbent) Candidate for Re-election Primaries August 26 May I serve you again? All Aboard All Aboard LADIES!! to aboard the easy-riding, popular Anaheim Gazette subscription, and get your set of genuine 1865 Wm. Rogers spoons—Queen Maria pattern. often need an extra set of six spoons, either to fill in your present ware on occasions, or to serve tasty tid-bits when friends call in the moons or evenings. These spoons are first quality and carry the ear guarantee. get one subscription to the Gazette at $2 a year. Then mail or bring the order with a check or money order to cover the cost of subscription we'll gladly give you this set of silverplated spoons. ANAHEIM GAZETTE 108 North Emily Street Anaheim, Calif.