Evening star., 1937-09-24
CIVIC VIEWS URGED.
BY KING ON TAXES.
Commissioners Agree to
Hear Groups-Senator Ex-
pI0reS D. c. Problems.
BY ]. A. OLEARY.

BY ]. A. OLEARY.
A suggestion that the Commission
ers hold hearings and conferences
with civic groups to ascertain local
sentiment on changes that should
be made in the Districts tax struc-
ture before recommendations are SUBJ
mitted to the next session of Con-
gress was made today by Chairman
King of the Senate District Com
mittee.
In a two-hour conference yester-
day afternoon with Commissioners
Hazen and Sultan and Corporation
Counsel Seal, King explored variety
of District problems that will confront
Congress when it reconvenes, with
revision Of the recently enacted So
100000 tax program likely to be one
of the first and most important issues
to be taken up.
The Commissioners will arrange to
hold hearings as soon as the commit
tee they appointed to study the taxa
ton problems is ready, according 10
Commissioner Hazen.
Senator King emphasized that no
effort was made to reach conclusions
on tax questions yesterday, but there
were strong indications that revision
or elimination of the controversial
business privilege gross receipts levy
will be a major question in the con-
sideration of the revenue problem.
Urges Action on Nuisances.
AS he prepared to leave the city
today for several weeks Senator King
also expressed the belief that when
Congress reconvenes consideration
should be resumed on his bill to re-
strict development of so-called nui-
sance industries in Washington.
When the recent session ended the
bill was before Senate District sub
committee, which had not completed
hearings. While discussion of the
bill during the past session related
mainly to plans of Adolf Gobel. Inc,
to operate slaughter house in the
Benning area. King pointed out that
his bill has broader scope designed
to regulate certain other types of in
dustry. such as chemical and ex-
plosive plants or tanneries. Senator
King said he does not believe the
bill should be permitted to die.
Discussing other features of leg
islative program for the next session,
the Senate committee chairman re-
iterated his advocacy of broader pow
ers. for the Commissioners, including
authority to name the Board of Edu-
cation, which is now appointed by
the United States District Court
judges. He also seeks to vest more
Of the administrative authority over
welfare activities in the Commission
ers and to confine the Welfare Board
to advisory functions.
Tax Alternatives Discussed.
Regarding future local taxation
King indicated that yesterdays con.
ference dealt mainly with whether
the next session should consider
modifying the business privilege levy
or substitute sales tax or income
tax. These alternatives were debated
in the Senate in the final weeks be-
fore enactment of the present tax
program.
Senator King said the correspond
ence received at his Office since ad-
journment indicates opposition to the
business gross receipts tax, which
was finally adopted for a period ol
one year.
While recognizing that any new
revenue plan will have to original.
in the House, the Utah Senator indi'
Gated today he is considering sug'
gesting that the House and Senat'
District Committees confer jointly OF
the subject to avoid duplication. HI
hbelieves strongly, however, that be
fore any recommendations are takel
up by Congress District officials shoult
obtain full expression OF \the wishe
and preferences Of the local com
munity.
The size Of the next. District budget
which is still in the formative stage
will be an essential factor in deter
mining the scope of revenue require
ments after the current fiscal yea,
King said budget matters were dis
cussed in general way yesterda,
but with no attempt to specify ,
maximum or minimum total.