Los Angeles Herald, Volume 36, Number 97, 6 January 1909 — KERN NAMED FOR BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS [ARTICLE]

KERN NAMED FOR BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS

MAYOR'S PROGRAM IS CONFIRMED BY COUNCIL

ALL PRESENT VOTE "AYE" ON HARPER'S CHOICE

Machinery, Smoothly Oiled, Makes No Hitch and Former Police Chief Realizes His Am. bition

With the smoothness of well oiled machinery the mayor's program for the appointment of Chief of Police Edward Kern to the board of public works went through the council yesterday morning. There was not a hitch in his confirmation. Every member of the council present, including Councilmen Pease and Wren, who had been expected to oppose the confirmation, voted "aye." Councilman Wallace was opposed to Kern's confirmation, but was detained at home by illness Had he been able to appear in the council it is certain he would have made a speech against Kern's appointment, for his sentiments are well knowji. He sent a message to the council asking that his vote be cast against Kern by proxy, but as there is no provision for proxy votes of the councilmen this could not legally be done. The affirmative votes of Pease and Wren were a surprise, even their own colleagues scarcely expecting support from them. Wren explained that he had little personal preference in the matter, but that he had consulted eighteen prominent business men in his ward and sixteen of them had declared for Kern. Pease believes Kern will make a' good man on the board of public works and he understood he was perfectly satisfactory to the other members of the council. Edwards Honored The council honored D. K. Edwards, the retiring member of the board of public works whose place Kern takes. with a vote of appreciation for his excellent work during the three years of his incumbency. The vote of appreciation was a? unanimous as the vote to confirm Mr. Kern. Mr. Edwards has not done politics during his term of office, and as a result several members of the council are not his friends, but all had to acknowledge that he had been honest and efficient in the conduct of his office. Mr. Kern has had more or less experience in the position he will occupy. He was president of the board of public works under the McAleer administration when the board of public works was a council committee and not appointed for a four years's term as is the case under the charter amendment providing for the bonrd. The work has grown greatly since he had anything to do with it and many duties have been placed on the shoulders of the board that were not thought of when he was president of the old council committee. Pass Resolutions At a special session during the morning the police commission received and accepted the resignation of Chief Kern, with deep regret. At the. regular session in the afternoon the police commission adopted the following resolutions commending the mayor's choice in appointing Mr. Kern to the board:

Whereas, the board of police commissioners in special session held this day accepted the resignation of Edward Kern as chief of police of the city of Los Angeles; and Whereas, said resignation was accepted with reluctancy, and for the only reason that Mayor Harper in his wise judgment has seen fit, for the welfare of the city. promoted him to a higher position, that of member of the board of public works, requiring great responsibility, integrity, energy and honesty; and Whereas, this commission feels that Edward Kern has by his untiring efforts and discipline proven the most capable, efficient and careful chief this city has ever had; Therefore be it resolved by the board of police commissioners of the city of Los Angelep now in regular session, that we congratulate Mayor Harper on his choice, the honorable city council on its unanimous confirmation, Edward Kern on receiving said appointment, and tw city of Los Angeles on securing the services of such an able and competent public servant; be it further Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be spread in full upon the minutes of the meeting and copy forwarded to Edward Kern. At the afternoon session of the council Kern's bond in the sum of $10,000 with the American Surety company's guarantee was approved.