Evening star., 1939-07-09

The Kennedy bill to reorganize
the District government will not re-
ceive an entirely rousing welcome
from the persons affected by 1t If
comments of some of these yester-
day are any criterion.
While virtually none had been
able to get a copy of the bill to
study 1t, several members of munich
pal boards that would be affected
by the reorganization indicated they
were not fully satisfied with the
plan.
On the other hand, others viewed
it more favorably as a good start in
the right direction.
The particular sections which drew
criticism were the proposed depart
ment of industrial relations, the
question OF just what powers the
Commissioners will have, and it
was established that the merger Of
the Police and Fire Departments
is not particularly pleasing to men,
bers of the latter unit.
Labor apparently is skeptical of
the proposed industrial relations
department and indications were
that this particular section was in
for battle.
New Jobs for Many.
Study of the report on the bill
shows many of the present personnel
of the District would come into new
jobs if the bill is made effective.
District Auditor Daniel J. Donovan,
for instance, would take over the
post of director of finance. Should
the Setup become effective before
his contemplated resignation in the
fall, Corporation Counsel Elwood
Seal would head the new depart
ment of law. James L. Martin,
secretary to the Public Utilities Com
mission, would head the department
of public utilities and DR.. George
c. Rutland would continue as head
of an enlarged Health Department.
Apparently the person selected by
the Board of Public Welfare to sue
ceed Elwood Street will head the
Department of Public Welfare and
j. Balch Moor will continue as
director of insurance. These are all
specifically provided in the report
on his bill made by Representative
Kennedy of Maryland.
This leaves directors of personnel
revenue, public safety, industrial re-
lations, public works and recrea-
ton to be appointed by the admins,
tration.
Most outspoken opponent of the
bill, among various board members
interviewed. was John Locher,
prominent labor leader. who is presi
dent of Central Labor Union, affi.
late Of the American Federation of
Labor. He is member of the Un-
employment Compensation Board
Favors Schultz Bill.
Although he said he had been
unable to get a copy of the Kennedy
measure, Mr.. Locher expressed in
dignation against both Representa-
tive Kennedy and Commissioner
George E. Allen for the positions
they had taken in the matter. Or
ganized labor here. Mr.. Locher said,
is behind bill introduced by Repre-
sentative Schultz. Democrat, of
Indiana to provide for a depart
.nent Of labor which would be diff
ferent from the department of in
dustrial relations provided in the
Kennedy bill. I'VE are opposed to
the Kennedy bill setup,' declared
Mr., Locher. I'VE intend to fight it."
Unless the Kennedy bill provides
an entirely different kind of a set
up from the proposed industrial re-
lations department of the Griffen-
hagen reorganization plan, Mr.
Locher said he would not continue
as a member of the Unemployment
Compensation Board. He would
probably resign that post, he de-
clared.
Representative Kennedy was
charged by Mr.. Locher with having
put off all attempts for a conference
Several times Mr.. Locher said he
had attempted to see Mr.. Kennedy
and failed. Now. he said, organized
labor, which is strong in the Mary
land district from which Mr.. Ken.
nedy comes, intends to find out lust
where he stands
Board to Be Called.
A meeting of the Executive Board
OF the Central Labor Union will be
called early this week to consider
the matter, Mr.. Locher announced.
This will be followed by a special
meeting of the Executive Board of
the Maryland State and District of
Columbia Federations of Labor. Mr..
Kennedy will be called on by the
Federation to put himself on record
in the matter.
We want to find out where he
stands, for next fall, when election
comes around" declared Mr.. Locher.
The American Federation of Labor
is strong in his congressional dis
trict."
Commissioner Alien had never
conferred with Mr.. Locher in regard
to the reorganization bill he said,
despite published reports that Allen
claimed organized labor approved
his reorganization plan.