Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-31
CITIZENS COUNCIL
BUSY DURING YEAR
Group Completed Active Pro-
gram, Despite Attempts
to CurtaiI Work.

Although twice disturbed by efforts
to curtail its growing influence, as
well as have it abolished. the Cities
Advisory Council has recorded in It's
history for 1927 action which 1t has
taken on long list Of proposed legis'
lation referred to ii for consideration
and report by the District Commits
sioners and the District committees
of the Senate and the House.
The first attack on the council came
soon after its reorganization, in April.
when a neighborhood citizens associa-
ton sought to have ii abolished. That
effort did not succeed On the con-
trary. in May the council was highly
and almost unanimously commended
by the Federation of Citizens Associa'
tions in a resolution expressing its
pride in the councils accomplishments
and its complete confidence that the
Judgment Of the council would be ex'
ercised always in the best interests
of the District OF Columbia and
as a vital, though unofficial, adjunct
thereof.
Oath Dispensed With.
Then, again, in October a group OF
business and professional organiza-
tions protested to the Commissioners
against the growing influence of the
council and its members receiving a
voluntary oath of Office. After the
lapse of several weeks. during which
the council was defended and COM
mended by the federation. the council
voluntarily announced Its desire to
forego such an oath In the future.
viewing the oath as not vital or even
important to the constructive work
- kat hn nffaP n diGnanGl
with the oath was subsequently &C.
cepted by the Commissioners.
The outstanding activity OF the
council during the year, perhaps, was
its consideration and report to the
Commissioners on the municipal bud
get for the next fiscal year. This re-
port contained recommendations. sup
ported by reasons therefor. with re.
gard to each of the approximately 500
items comprising the budget.
The report was drawn up following
q series Of hearings. at which various
department heads of the District gov
eminent appeared before It and ex'
planned the items In their respective
estimates.
During the short session of Congress
which ended March 4 the council was
asked for its views on legislative pro.
posals affecting the Dist let These
proposals were numerous and covered
a wide variety of subjects. All OF
then were considered carefully and
comprehensive reports submitted to
Congress.
Consider Finance Bill.
Aside from It's consideration OF the
budget in the Summer. the council
also devoted considerable time TO dis
cussing q proposal for the establish.
ment of a municipal airport and the
controversy regarding the use OF add.
tional one-man street cars.
Since II abandoned the voluntary
oath the council has met twice, both
OF these meetings having been for the
purpose OF considering bills referred
to II and preparing reports thereon.
Chief among them was the Zihlma n
bill. providing for the re-establishment
OF the 6040 plan of financing the Dis
trict government.
Up to April the personnel OF the
council consisted OF James q. Yaden,
as chairman ex.officio; George T. Beg
son, Robert |. Faulkner. George G.
Havenner, George II. Richa rdson.
Harry N. Stub, Walter /. Swanton.
George X. Wales and Fred s. Walker.
elected The present members are
james G. Yaden. chairman: Kenneth
p. Armstrong. George 7. Beason.
George e. Havenner. Edwin s. Hene.
Col Henry c. Newcomer. George II.
Richardson Robert =. Strobel and
George II. Wales.