The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1934-12-06
RITCHIE IS BLAMED FOR
ROAD COMMISSION TANGLE
DR.. Charles H. COnIey, Democrat,
Frederick, Says Fault Rests On
Governors Shoulders Alone
A FULL REPORT PROMISED

the Democratic gubernatOrial
nomination, is blaming Governor
Albert G. Richie for the present
condition in which the State
Roads Commission finds itself.
In his first statement since the
general election he asserted he
would seek legislative action on
his campaign promise to limit
each governor to one term. DR.. Con-
ley called on all Marylanders, regard
less of party affiliations, to support
Governor-elect Harry w. Nice and
the incoming legislature in meeting
their problems. He advocated investi-
cation of all State departments, sharp
retrenchment in governmental costs
and balancing of the budget.
Of the State Roads Commissions
Indebtedness of $1,362,99O, DR.. Conley
said: "The deplorable condition into
which the finances of the State Roads
Commission has fallen is due directly
to x the management of these huge
sums of taxpayers money and the re-
sponsibility rests squarely upon the
shoulders of Governor Richie and no
amount of evasion and half-truths will
satisfy the people of this State" DR..
Conley said that "Ritchieism in Mary
land is dead"
Full Report Promised
At the same time Governor Richie
was promising full report on every
phase of the present situation of the
State Roads Commission before, he
leaves office.
Governor-elect Harry W. Nice said
he planned an indepndent investiga-
ton into the Commissions indebted
ness of over a 1Ailliong dollar3 frora
over-expenditures and county over
drafts. He also warned that new taxes
may become necessary because of the
plight of the Commission.
Garrett County had an unexpended
balance on September 80, 1884, of
over $21,000.O0.
Effect In Garrett County
Bringing the economy move to exact
figures for Garrett county, the eighty
eight men now employed on both the
State and county roads are on part
time basis-approximately half or
less time.
Since the economy program was put
into effect twelve laborers have been
discharged from the county road
work, one skilled laborer has been
furloughed, leaving 48 men now en-
ployed. These figures were furnished
The Republican by Alvin H. Wilson,
county road engineer.
According to Harold Rock, who is
in charge of State roads in the county,
there are at present 40 men employed,
all on part-time. Eight men have been
discharged since the economy program
began, but five of these were only
part-time workers at the time they
were dismissed.
mission auditor, placed the roads units
funds for construction and mainte-
nance for the year ending next Sep
TENDER 80 at 81 $4,000 less than was
available last year.
Cut Payroll In Half
Under the economy program which
has been instituted, Codd said the
Commissions monthly payrolls, for
merly about $27O,O00, would be cut to
$105,000, and saving of $81,314 will
be effected in materials and in other
items each month.
AS a part of the stringent economy
move, Harry D. Williar, Jr., chief en-
gineer of the Commission, said the ex-
act number of laborers dismissed was
1872. The remaining laborers, total
ing 2,188, he said, have been placed
on a part-time basis of from q to SO
hours week. This included workers
in Garrett county.
In addition to the laborers, Williar
said, 45 inspectors, II craftsmen, ~
surveymen, 6 right-of-way examin-
ers and members of the Commits
sion's clerical staff have been fur
Laughed.
Fund For Snow Eliminated
One item usually included in the
commissioners budget, 100000, for
snow removal, has been eliminated
this year, Williar said, admitting that
in the event of an exceptionally heavy
snow, special measures would have to
be taken to clear the highways. Or
binary snowfall could be cleared, he
said.
Commenting on the possibility of
heavy snowfall impeding traffic on the