Evening star., 1949-09-27
Sauter Urges
Montgomery 10
Amend Charter
Asks Incorporation
Of Silver Spring
And Bethesda
By Blair Lee III


Montgomery County Charter were
advocated last night by former
County Commissioner Wesley I.
Sauter, but he added that out
right repeal of the charter would
be foolish"
The former charter foe pre-
dicted it would remain the
county's pattern of government
for many years to come.
Mr.. Sauter also urged municipal
incorporation Of Silver Spring and
his home community of Bethesda
to achieve "a greater measure Of
self government and home rule"
The two suburbs. which busi-
nessmen claim would be the Sec
ond and third largest cities in
Maryland if Incorporated. are now
governed directly by the county
administration in Rockville.
Speaks at C. of C.
Mr.. Sauter's remarks came as
part of debate before the Silver
Spring Junior Chamber Of Com
merce in which he opposed Col.
Norman B. Ames, president Of the
County Charter Committee. Col.
Ames spearheaded the long cam
paign which eliminated in adop-
ton of the charter last November
and election of the first County
Council in January.
The subject of the discussion
was a resolution that THE charter
form of government is fulfilling
its promise to the people Of Mont
gomery County"
Fred L. Lutes. president of the
Suburban National Bank, served
as moderator.
Col. Ames was asked by his op-
ponent to "use his influence" to
obtain a charter amendment that
would reduce the number Of coun-
cilmen from seven to three-one
each from the Silver Spring and
Bethesda areas, and one from the
rural part Of the county.
Mr.. Sauter recommended that
each councilman be elected by the
voters of his own district rather
than by the county at large, and
that the three be paid salaries
commensurate with their respon-
sibilities."
The councilmen now receive
maximum annual salaries Of
81, 300.
Administration Defended.
In defense of the initial charter
administration, Col. Ames pointed
to the SO laws adopted by the
council In its legislative session,
which he hailed as a tangible DEM
onstration Of home rule. He1
also cited the newly organized De-
partments Of Finance and Public
Works and the expanded county
attorneys Office. He said 13 Of the
councils 16 major appointees were
residents Of Montgomery County.
He contended that the county'sI
financial credit was stronger now
than when the council took office
nine months ago.
He also paid tribute to the
council for putting zoning ION q
ship-shape basis and for es-
tablishing the Appeals Tax Court.
He said the court has granted
some relief in at least so per cent
of the cases it has heard.
Mr.. Sauter charged the pres
ent administration was top
heavy, bureaucratic and too
wordy." He said the charter
should be amended to reduce the
power of the county manager and
to give. more control to the coun-
Gil.
The former commissioner, who
is Republican, charged that the
councils recently enacted nom
partisan election bill served to
undermine the two-party system
and that the Charter Committee
itself constituted a third political
party in the county.
Col. Ames vigorously denied
that the committee holds itself
out as third party" He said it
is made up Of Democrats and Re-
publicans.