Gordon Hickman Garland

Gordon Hickman Garland (May 16, 1898 – May 20, 1986)[1] was a conservative Democratic California state legislator and the 48th Speaker of the California State Assembly.[1] Garland also served as Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles in the 1940s and was also Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol. After leaving state government, he became a lobbyist for the Golden Gate Bridge District, the California Water Association, and the California Chiropractic Association and was widely regarded as an expert on water issues in California. Garland was one of ten legislators that wrote the legislation to create the Central Valley Project.[1]

Gordon Hickman Garland
48th Speaker of the California State Assembly
In office January 29, 1940 – January 18, 1942
Preceded by	Paul Peek
Succeeded by	Charles W. Lyon
Member of the California State Assembly from the 38th district
In office January 4, 1937 – January 4, 1943
Preceded by	Ford A. Chatters
Succeeded by	Walter J. Fourt
Personal details
Born	Gordon Garland May 16, 1898 Lebanon, Missouri
Died	May 20, 1986(1986-05-20) (aged 88) Exeter, California
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Chinina Garland
Children	4
Profession	Legislator, Rancher, Director of DMV, CHP Commissioner, Lobbyist

During his Speakership between 1940 and 1942, Garland was often at odds with Governor Culbert L. Olson, a fellow Democrat. Governor Olson's staff was implicated in an electronic eavesdropping scheme in 1940, when bugging devices were discovered in Garland's hotel room in Sacramento.[2]