Evening star., 1939-02-26

Civic Federation
Opposes Griffenhagen
Traffic Proposals
Abolition of Boord
Of Education Also
Is Disopproved

Is Disopproved
The Federation of Citizens Asso-
Citations last night unanimously dis
approved proposals in the Grifen-
hagen reorganization report calling
for abolition Of the present Depart
ment of Vehicles and Traffic.
Action was taken at a special
meeting Of the group to clear up a
heavily loaded committee docket.
At the meeting the previous Satur-
day, the delegates indorsed the
Griffenhagen proposals in principle.
The federation also specifically
opposed Griffenhagen proposals
which would abolish the Board of
Education with It's administrative
functions. It further voted against
inclusion under the proposed Dis
trict civil service Of any employees
serving In the public schools.
Adopted without discussion, the
resolution dealing with the Board
Of Education was in line with the
federation's action a week ago, in
which departmentalization OF execu-
tive function as proposed by Grif-
fenhagen and Associates was ap-
proved In principle with the excep-
ton of the school board. This unit,
the delegates thought, should be
elective and autonomous.
'Gallinger Praised.
In connection with a recommend
alton that employees at Gallinger
Hospital receive medical examina-
tionS, DR.. Charles B. Campbell,
chairman Of the Public Health Com
mittee, said investigations showed
the employees were receiving "ade-
quate" medical service.
He also took occasion to COM
mend the hospital for performing
"creditable service" with fund and
stan shortage.
Patients there are receiving as
good medical attention as they
would get in any hospital in this
city or in the country" he declared.
Il know from experience" The
hospital handled 1900 patients dur
ing 1898, he said.|
Opposition to the Griffenhagen
trafnc proposals was recommended
by Harry S. Wender, chairman Of
the Federation's Committee on
Safety. In detailed report analyz-
ing the reports proposals dealing
with traffic, Mr.. Wender pointed out
the functions Of the present depart
ment would be divided among the
proposed departments of police,
revenue and public works.
No Reason for Division.
Your committee can see no valid
reason for dividing the responsible
ties Of administering a governmental
function OF such vital Importance to
every citizen of the community"
he declared.
The committee thought the Grit
fenhagen proposals would also elm
mate all special funds, including the
highway fund. This, it was stated.
is contrary to the provisions of the
Hayden-Cartwright Act penalizing
recipients of Federal-aid highway
funds, who divert proceeds from
motor vehicle taxation.
Declaring the concentration of all
phases OF the automobile prob
lem to be the modern trend, the
resolution adopted by the delegates
called for:
!. Inclusion of the department of
vehicles and traffic with its present
functions in the plan of reorgan-
1zatlon of the government.
2. Establishment of an Office of
record in this department for COM
pulsory recording and releasing of
liens and membranes on auto
mobiles.
5. Establishment of a citizen traf-
nc council or safety commission.
4. No change in government which
would divert any portion of the
highway fund.
5. Continuance Of the police de-
partment as the traffic enforce
ment agency.
Other action by the delegates as
they cut through the crowded dock
ct included request for more gen.
eral use of safety islands, properly
equipped with lights and markers
at appropriate unprotected inter-
sections; more adequSe enforce
ment of traffic regulations relating
to passing of street car platforms
and safety zones; improvement of
the Pennsylvania avenue Sc. park-
way.
Delegates would further divert
parades except inaugural celebra-
tions down Constitution avenue in
stead of Pennsylvania avenue. They
favored housing the Women's Bu-
reau elsewhere and the return of
No. police precinct to its old quar-
tiers now occupied by the bureau.
Support was also given a request
for a new police station in the
northern territory Of No. II.
The Federation requested that the
property tax exemption reports for
the District be brought up to date
Delegates were told the only print
ed reports on these exemptions were
compiled in 1904. The Patman bill
to tax chain stores was condemned.
Harry N. Stull presided In the
absence Of L. A. Carruthers, presi-
dent.