"The fair name of Los Angeles is being dragged in the mire by grafting politicians, crooks and police grafters," one sentence of the statement read.
In another page and a half he pledged himself to a crusade to clean up the city, announcing that he had been assured of the support of the churches and various business organizations as well as, he believed, "every self-respecting and upstanding citizen of the city."
"I intend to hew to the line, let the chips fall where they may," the statement said. "I'm in this fight to the finish. Vice, gambling, banditry, lewd women and graft must go. Without having received the slightest intimation that the mayor intended appointing me to the board of police commissioners I have been accumulating evidence of conditions in Los Angeles for months. I have enough information now to start firing my guns and I call upon the law-abiding citizens of this great city to stand with me in the fight."
To the statement was affixed the signature, "Reginald Gibson."
"I suppose, Mr. Gibson," said Brennan, "that everything you care to say now is included in this statement?"
Gibson nodded.
"There is only one question I wish to ask you."
"Shoot," acquiesced the new commissioner.
"Have you any intention of entering the race for mayor at the next election?"