Evening star., 1941-06-15
Civic Problems, Civic Bodies
Tax Hike Opposition Seen;
Utilities Problem Serious
By JESSE c. SUTER.

Commissioners get support
for increase of the Federal payment of sOOO0 but were
baked by minority member of the committee
The suggestion of such increases in taxation is opposed
vigorously by Board Trade This attitude expected to be
followed by other organizations.
feature of the
large numbers went to the
At the time the solicitation of funds for the recreation
program for draees and defense workers proceeds.
progress peecng acceptable
reorganization of the Districts recreation system The latest
board representatives of the
the National Capital Parks
Office and four citizens to be appointed by the Commissioners
Civic Problems and the National Defense
incidental tasks must of necessity
the activities of the civic organizations and
unoganzed citizens Many OF the CIVIC groups are hong oppo
practical cooperation the various tasks and
preparation for tasks which hoped will not be necessary TO
perform
These organizations formed render definite service
to the community perform normal times
of distinct value and needed by the District An important
problem confronting them how continue to do the regular
full support 10 the
nat defense
Mnv local civic problems have been by great
influx population the expansion of the Federal establish
nen encmbent the civic to stay on the
while they performing these extra and needed services
the Nation.
similar organizations during the
war of 1917 the folded up completely IN
some Some revived after great enot
and eventually replaced by organizations
The dsnegration membership stopping their
work in their neghborhood working the national
emergency program other organizations The present
situation affords opportunity these do their defense
organizations through them
with all other organizations doing work There
is value in Job undertaken and carried on by an
existing the other hand there Is danger Oh
if organizations fail opportunities
The civic problems the voeesS and unrepresened people OF
the District their need for solution some
1sos believe entirely practicable to coordinate
national work with the organized effort Tor he sou"o VI
urgent local problems community must continue to function
and of the present national emergency are largely
increased , ... J.. +;,,o 70
hold regular of their Executive Committees Where he
for the Slnm
standing committees will continue to work reporting 10 EXECUTIVE
committees Congress probably be here the entire summer
and there opportunity for District legislation ol e
tsvorable or an unavorabe District legislation always
bears watching fundamental belief OF our CIVIC LEADERS,
How to Acquire Public Utilities Commission
No more immediate serious problem confronts the District nan
~ of that governmental agency known as w
public Utilities in state OF suspended anmao
Three members required constitute the COMMISSION 'hous
two NAV act The Engineer Commissioner at present the only
member commission there being two vacancies caused W
the resignation Richmond Keech and the oeatn Oh S
Elgen. - !. ~, 1saoh b,t the
has acted report mas come lioh Ne o0
No one has been named late Mr. Egen num-
her of eligible been recommended Tor
One of these expert in public utnteS ha'es HAVING
served adviser to the commission ,... :. oso
AS in the case of District Offices the complaint Is mace
that competent local talent cannot be found Inns mas
tho Introduction of the law so as to reouce the re-
ouirement in the District to three years ron
five wears entire removal OF the requirement.
for appointment of local residents , J.. xo,.
working needed right now This neeo le
by both the public the utilities companies ,,
Tho legal restrictions on companies make them hepe
IN numerous the sanction OF the commission
sons of plant and required financing MUS. nav
commissions approval Serious financing prooeas
of the companies this time And 1t Is an escapaoie a
most of such difficulties will, in the long ru oecohe p
the patrons the public in general. ~ 49, ., ~
But for the provisions the public utilities Ia" heSe o
oe would have considerable latitude under their charters 10 run
ber own business They under governmental supervision
and control and the Utilities Commission Is the GoVereh'
agent upon they must depend , ,.,
On public side there Is also ereaC heo 4oi Ao
IN the case OF e
transit company which citizens have petltloneo Inc @
town bus service matters await the resUora VI w
commission as functionng body. .. -
A. IN the big problem of how acquire Public Utility Com
voteess ana
d neon1e NAV do No civic leaders seems 10
know lust who among the Presidents advisers Is delaying '
filling O vacancies.
How to Get Peoples Counsel Is Another Problem
For number years without ncum
bent in the office Counsel The last to hold the once
resigned to engage in private practice
On resgnng that the office be properly and or
Two others preceded Mr. Roberts they Ralph Feharty
and Richmond latter promoted to membership
m the qualification for this oe
the same for members of the commission
The office the act of December l5 1876
which set up the independent to be
The of office fixed at four years and
salary The for that officer as given IN the
law, follows: 80 ....
of Columbia at all hearings commission and in all judicial
proceedings of the products or
service by the public utilities under the rlsocon OF tne
commission
mission for the purpose complaining matters of rates
service; and
49, May investigate given by the rates charged BY