In the news: Ben Hogan defeats Lloyd Mangrum and George Fazio to win golf’s U. S. Open at the Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
In Los Altos: The newly appointed Los Altos Incorporation Committee, led by Michael F. Dowley of Almond Avenue, held a press conference this week to outline 10 vital points of view held by committee members. The guidelines were formulated with the assistance of Gordon Eustice, legal counsel.
1. The Committee’s purpose is to explore incorporation and maintain an unbiased position on incorporation.
2. Although the need for incorporation might ultimately be inevitable in our rapidly growing community, the committee will also consider the correct timing of incorporation.
3. A subcommittee was formed to secure signatures to place the question of incorporation before the town electorate with January, 1951, as the target date.
4. Despite being grateful and indebted to San Jose-based supervisors, both new and long-term residents must evaluate how long we want to be governed by remote control by the county.
5. The character and personality of Los Altos has now been firmly established, and many local issues need to be addressed which are beyond the time and scope of county officials.
6. The war years have made many people forget that we must avoid a movement toward centralization of government and must not become habituated to regulation and control from far away. It is the responsibility of all citizens to remember that the running of their affairs is their personal responsibility, and local government should be determined by local taxpayers.
7. “Home rule” is the most economical type of government. Citizens should be aware that the cost of government goes up in relation to the distance it is removed from the governed.
8. No one has an ax to grind or a political issue involved, but incorporation should only be considered if it is for the good of Los Altos and unite citizens in thought and effort.
9. Local control will always keep a sharp eye on doing only what needs to be done, with a sharp eye on the cost. The committee will also consider the financial benefits of incorporation in terms of utility costs and services and make a report to the city in the near future.
10. The suggestions of all shall be considered and the procedural format shall remain open to all.
The top film in the country, “Cheaper by the Dozen,” became the theme of weekly ads with Alfred’s Parisian Deli offering 12 bottles of 1942 vintage French champagne for $47.88, and
Barbara’s on Main Street offering one dozen flannel diapers for $2.19.
By Donna Shoemaker for the Association of the Los Altos History Museum. E-mail: [email protected].
