Evening star., 1948-12-21
Plan Is Drafted
ByCiiviicGroup
For New Council
Eieht-Point Program
Offered by Citizens
From Silver Spring

Spring today became one of the
first organizations in Montgomery
County to draft a program" for the
new County Council, members OF
which will be elected next month
With a special election for the
first seven-member council set fol-
January 6, the civic group last night
approved eight recommendations for
the new governing agency. They
are:
l. That the policy of the council
be stated on zoning and a master
zoning plan.
2. Establish responsibility for en-
forcing the various county ordi-
nances.
5. Make available charts showing
fiscal organization of the county
under the new form of government
4. A study be made looking to CO.
ordination of activities of the BIZ
county commissions with county
functions to obtain better admins
tration. These commissions, which
serve Prince Georges and Mont
gomery Counties, are the Maryland
National Capital Park and Planning
Commission and the Washington
Suburban Sanitary Commission.
5. Consideration OF a plan to To-
cate a hospital more nearly at the
center of the heaviest populated
area.
6. Widen Georgia avenue to Glen
mont and Colesville road to White
Oak.
7. Additional funds to pay special
policemen required for public fune-
tions.
Early consideration be given pro-
posed fire. 0oning building and elec-
trical codes.
Phone Rate Increase Opposed.
The group voted unanimously to
oppose telephone rates increases un-
less full hearings by the Maryland
Public Service Commission disclose
the need. The Chesapeake & Poto-
mac Telephone Co. of Baltimore,
which serves the area. now has
applications for increases pending
The group said increases would be
tnflationary and contended they
would be out Of line with rates
charged in adjacent Washington.
Another resolution requesting the
Civil Service Commission to exempt
Federal employees from provisions
of the Hatch Act 50 as to permit
their participation in elections at
the county level was referred to the
Legislative Committee.
Preceding the business session
talks were given by State Senator
Roy Tasco Davis and Anders r.
Lofstrand, jr., chairman of the
Montgomery County delegation to
the General Assembly, on proposed
legislation.
Share of Taxes Sought.
A redistribution of State-collected
taxes so that communities such as
Silver Spring and Bethesda would
benefit as we'll as incorporated
towns and special taxing areas. was
Endorsed by Senator Davis. 1t was
suggested that the Sherbow Laws
be amended so that the Eastern
and Western suburban districts be
considered special taxing areas and
thus be eligible to share in the
redistribution of taxes.
Senator Davis said the delega-
ton also Is studying a proposal to
set up special taxing districts for
the II volunteer fire departments
In the county.
The Montgomery County volun-
teer Firemen's Association has been
asked by the legislators to draw up
a master plan outlining the vol
unteer units jurisdiction.
Asked what his stand is on pro-
posed bill to permit the sale of
alcoholic beverages in Montgomery
County in clubs operated by veter-
ans organizations and other groups,
the Senator said he questioned
seriously If there should be an ex-
tension of liquor licenses"
Mr.. Lofstrand, member OF the
Legislative Council, discussed bills
which have the councils support.