Evening star., 1948-11-03
Montgomery Adopts Charter;
Separate Bethesda Move Seen

Under the plan, Montgomery will
elect seven members to q county
council, which in turn will appoint
a county manager with administra-
tive powers.
The charter will become operative
December 2, but the present five
commissioners will hold office and
perform legislative duties until their
successors, the councilmen, i are
elected January 6. 4
Backers Are Enthusiastic.
The enthusiasm Of charter pro-
ponents, who gathered for the re-
turns last night in Offices of the
Charter Committee and the Bethes-
da Record, in Bethesda, seemed to
know no bounds. The crowd re-
peatedly burst into song and cheered
those most active as sponsors of the
proposal.
Col. Norman B. Ames, president
of the Montgomery County Charter
Committee, asserted the decision
assures the county of very bright
future" He called upon all fac
tions to unite and work for the
new governments success.
Allen H. Gardner, former presi-
dent of the Charter Committee and
now chairman of its important
Nominating Committee, attributed
the victory to improved organizatio
and "the fact you can't fool all the
people all the time"
Mr.. Gardner said the next step is
to get council candidates Of inte-
gritty, ability and acquaintance with
county affairs. His committee is
already at work sitting council
nominations of about 100 persons
but this list has not been made
public. Eventually the group will
indorse a slate Of officers.
I'VE are perfectly willing" Mr.
Gardner said, Ito sit down with all
groups in the county, including re-
presentatives OF the two major
parties, and agree on the names OF
the council candidates"
Parties "Course Uncertain"
Whether the Republican and
Democratic parties will be willing to
accept this invitation is question
able. Candidates have until De-
cember IL to file notices of inten-
ton to run.
The charter provides that five OF
the new councilmen must come
from the five existing commissioner
areas. The remaining two will be
elected from the county at large
The first council will serve until
1850. At the general election then
members will be elected for four
year terms.
| All local laws inconsistent with
charter provisions will be repealed
automatically. James J. Hayden, a
member of the Charter Board, said
one such law is that empowering
the county commissioners to legis-
late for the county's health, welfare
and safety.
The charter abolishes four county
onces-treasurer, attorney to the
county commissioners, clerk to the
commissioners and the police COM
missioner. Their duties will be as
sumed by q new group. Of agencies,
which include a finance department
and county attorneys office.
Incumbents who hold those Of
fees are Treasurer John B. Dia-
mond, Attorney F. Barnard Welsh,
Clerk J. Ernest Hawkins and Mr..
Sauter, who is police commissioner
Bailey Explains Charter.
Mr.. Bailey said the transitory pro-
visions of the charter are exceed
ingly important" These include the
election procedure and the repeal OF
the inconsistent laws.
Mr.. Bailey pointed out the treas
urer will continue tor serve until
the new director Of finance takes
Office and that appointed officers Of
the county are permitted to con-
tinue their employment at existing
salaries, subject to regulations Of
the County Personnel Board.
I'm other words" Mr.. Bailey said,
i"the way u paved for . smooth