Evening star., 1939-06-22

n ACW HlClliOu VI dttdCA OIl tIlc
Districts tax problems, a far
reaching child safety program and
a vigorous continuation of the fight
for national representation for
Washington were listed today
among the chief projects of the
Board of Trade for the new fiscal
year.
Outlined at the annual organiza-
ton meeting of officers, directors
and committee chairmen at Con-
gressional Country Club last night,
the l939-4O program also contem-
plates efforts for a comprehensive
survey of Washington entire wa
ter front. and continued agitation
for municipal stadium and an
auditorium.
Committee chairmen were warned,
however, that rapidly increasing
costs of the municipal government,
a corresponding decrease in the
Federal payment and the resulting
heavy tax burden combine to make
necessary close scrutiny Of increased
appropriations
An outline of the program, read
by Col. Harrison Brand, jr., execu-
tive secretary Of the board, urged
chairmen to consider proposed ad-
ditional expenditures in the light
OF their effect on the community
as a whole.
Must Watch Balance.
There are many highly desirable
improvements which can be made.
but financial balance must be borne
in mind" he said. The board at
this time does not feel that greatly
Increased taxes may be taken from
the community without damage to
Its economic structure. 1t has con-
sistently maintained that municipal
expenditures be kept within reason
able estimates of revenue receipts. "
Former Corporation Counsel E.
Barrett Prettyman, now a director
OF the board and chairman of its
Municipal Finance Committee, said
the committee plans to take more
active part in formulating the Dis
trict's tax program next year by
determining beforehand exactly
what types of taxes are favored by
residents of Washington.
Outlining the new plan of attack
contemplated, Mr.. Prettyman ex-
planned the committee expects to
deliver to Congress before the next
session all of the boards extensive
tax research material, the opinions
OF tax experts on the committee
and the viewpoints of local tax
payers.
There's no reason why Congress
should not know ahead of time what
kind of taxes residents of the Dis
trict favor" he said. 1T seems to
me this information would aid
greatly in drafting revenue legisla-
ton"
Four subcommittee.
Mr.. Prettyman said the Municipal
Finance Committee would have four
subcommittees-on tax policy, tax
legislation, budget policy and ap-
preparation bills.
The child traffic safety program,
as explained by P. Y. K. Howat,
new chairman of the boards Traffic
Committee, contemplates making
every school student under Is a
member of a safety organization,
headquarters of which would be
established in each of the l3 police
precincts.
Prizes would be offered to the
youth organizations, such as School,
boy Patrol, Boy and Girl Scouts,
bringing in the largest number of
members. A prize also would be
offered for a safety slogan or rhyme,
which each child would sign on
becoming a member. Safety but
tons would be given each member.
Mr.. Howat pointed out that 367
children have been injured in local
traffic accidents so far this year.
Six children under Is lost their
lives, he said.
The educational program is SIM
liar to one which the Junior Board
of Commerce is planning, and the
two organizations are expected to
coordinate their plans so there
will be no overlapping of effort.
Mr.. Howat said board plans still
are in the formative stage.
John A. Remon, chairman of the
Rivers and Harbors Committee, said
an effort will be made the coming
year to have the War Department
be given the necessary authority to
make a comprehensive survey of
the entire water front within the
District, looking toward an ultimate
for its proper development. He
said efforts also will be continued
to secure removal of the mudbank
along Hams Point in the George
town channel and removal of the
abandoned piers in the Georgetown
channel near Key Bridge. The COM
mittee will continue to cooperate
with the Potomac Valley Confer
ence Committee on its promotion Of
q conservancy district In the Po-
tomac River Valley. -.....
William p. McCracken, jr., former