Evening star., 1947-11-03
PIannersFace
Right
OF Borrowing
Montgomery Delegates
Want Power Invested
In County Board
By Charles McAIeer


The NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Park and
Planning Commission, seeking legis-
alton to authorize it to increase its
,otal borrowing capacity by $780,
100 from which to obtain funds to
purchase park land in Montgomery
and Prince Georges Counties, may
face fight when the special ses-
sion Of the State Legislature con-
venes Wednesday.
The Montgomery County delega-
lion, in promising to introduce a
bill authorizing the planning group
10 increase its bonding capacity
from $1,000, 900 to $2,000,0O0 for the
county, wants it stipulated that
the county's Republican-controlled
Board of Commissioners be given
the power to voice approval or dis
approval of proposed land purchases.
In addition, the all-Democratic
Prince Georges County Commits
already have asserted
their prerogative in voting to oppose
any bond issues to buy land for park
use at this time.
Park Unit Asks Power.
The al-Democratic Park and
Planning Commission wants au-
thority to increase its prospective
borrowing capacity for the county
from $500, 900 to s1,250,o00.
Perry o. Wilkinson, chairman of
the Prince Georges delegation, de-
clared that even if the group passes
it from legislative standpoint, final
approval of any future bond issues
by the county for park purchases
still must come from the county
commissioners, the same right which
is sought by the Montgomery Coun-
ty delegation.
The measure. Mr.. Wilkinson re-
ported, is one of five which the dele
cation has under consideration for
action during the special session.
Delegate r. Duncan Clark of
Montgomery County, reported the
county group would vote for the
Prince Georges bill and hope they'll
'ote for ours
Cites Parallel Case.
Pointing out the Prince Georges
commissioners already have final
over bond issues, Mr..
Clark added: 1--WE feel that if Mont
gomery County needs parks, it's
up to the people that the county
elects to have some say in it.
THE Board of Commissioners
cannot build parks or acquire
,hem," he continued. "but we can
say we're not pledging credit for
parks we won't need"
William A. Carson, chairman Of
the Prince Georges County COM
missioners, said issuance of bonds
by the county at this time to pur-
chase park land was mot good
economy" The price of land, he
stated, sis too high for buying now"
Permission Only Sought.
Fred w. Tuemmler. director of
planning for the Park and Plan
ming Commission, reported the
group is seeking only "permissive
which would authorize
It to make the land purchases if
Federal funds are made available.
1--WE just want to pave the way"
he said, for future activity in ac-
luiring land under the amended
Capper- -Cramton Act, which pro-
vides for one-third Federal contri-
buttons for such purposes.
The amended bill would provide
money for improving the Oxon Run
and Paint Branch valleys in Prince
Georges County and Little Falls
Branch, Willett's Run and Paint
Branch valleys in Montgomery
County. The original bill authorized
in 1880. he explained, included
authority for Indian Creek. Sligo
Creek, the Anacostia river and
Northwest Branch in Prince
Georges County and Rock Greek.
Sligo Creek, Northwest Branch and
Cabin John Branch in Montgomery
County.
Similar Bills Offered.
The Prince Georges County Com
he said, "are not being
asked to approve anything at this
time
Similar bills to increase borrowing
capacities of the planning group
were included in joint measure
considered during the regular ses-
sion of the Legislature earlier this
year. At that time, the measure
was denied. This time, however,
there are two separate measures,
one for each county.
Besides the park issue, the Mont
yomery delegation is expected to in
,roduce eight other measures, in
Guiding two in connection with the
Suburban Hospital, Bethesda, Mr..
Clark said.
One would empower the Mont
yomery commissioners to purchase
and operate the hospital, and the
other would seek ALLEGATION of State
grants to- the hospital up to $50, 900,
Three bills are in connection with
operation of the Takoma Park Vol
lnteer Fire Department, while an
other would authorize a tax increase
for Laytonsville for street lighting
purposes. Legislation also is sought
10 allow the Montgomery County
commissioners to grant increase in
salaries of deputy sheriffs and to
authorize payment of S cents by
The county banks for each tax bill
paid to them.
Meet With Welfare Board.
The Montgomery County delega.
ion will meet with members of the
County Board of Public Welfare at
Rockvill at 7 o'clock tonight and
With the county commissioners to
discuss possible action at the farm
of Walter Dawson, chairman of the
State Central Commit
zee, at $50 pm.
, Other Prince Georges County
measures will include authority for
to borrow up to $25, 900 for
storm sewer construction work in
he town and to increase the tax
ate there from IS cents to not more
han SIS cents per 500 assessed VAL
lation.
The county delegation also will
seek clarification of adoption laws
n the county in a measure requested
~ the Prince Caoroec Co,nfy M.