Evening star., 1950-06-11
Prince Georges
6. 0. P. Adopts
Party Program
- Government Survey
And County Manager
Set Up Among 8 Points
Bv Chorles A. McAieer


ing recommendation for a gov
ernmental survey and county
manager setup has been adopted
by the Prince Georges County
Republican Party for the 1850
campaign. t
The platform. announced yes
terday by John r. Fletcher. chair
man of the county's Republican
State Central Committee. sup
ports many Of the changes sought
by county civic organizations and
the League of Women Voters.
Among other planks are stricter
enforcement of gambling laws and
an investigation. to determine
whether any corruption exists
among county officials.
The platform also pledges that
women will be encouraged to seek
public Office; that all business
sessions of the county governing
body be open to the public: that
there be a more efficient and
economical administration of
school funds, and that a "bal-
anced growth of building develop
ment" be encouraged. while ad-
.hering to wishes Of county resi-
dents.
County Manager Urged.
In promising the survey. the
party said 1t would be made by
IAN independent agency not con-
nected or in any way affiliated
with either political party" The
group agreed to make the find
ings public and TO hold hearings
before adopting or rejecting them.
Repeal of the Sothoron bill, the
controversial law which reorgan-
ICES the existing county govern
ment, was pledged in the plank
calling for county manager. The
party said the manager should be
chosen only for his capabilities
and not from among the Boaro
of Commissioners. as provided
under the Sothoron measure
adopted at the last session of the
General Assembly.
The platform said Republican
candidates. If elected. would en-
force present anti-gambling law!
and seek enactment Of additiona
ones. if necessary. It describe.
the county as known Throughout
the entire country as a haven fol
the gambling element"
An investigation of "far reach
ing nature" was promised on tn,
anti-corruption plank. The plat
form statement added that ths
recent conviction in Fedora
Court Of q county public official
who may be a scapegoat, merel!
accentuates the situation"
Debates Welcomed.
The group apparently referret
to r. Earle Sheriff., former count,
sheriff. who was convicted IL
Federal Court in Baltimore fol
income-tax evasion.
. In releasing the platform, Mr.
Fletcher said it was "purposely
brief" adding that the party.
candidates will "amplify" on each
provision and other issues during
the campaign. He said Republi-
cans will welcome" debates with
the opposition.
The platform was drafted by g
six-man committee and Mr.
Fletcher as an ex-officio member
Members are Oliver Metzerott
banker and former State Senator;
Arthur C. Keefer, former State
legislator: Mayor Merrill L. Har.
rison Of Laurel; Gordon Louk
Bladenbsurg. president of the
county Republican Club; John F
Lillard. jr.. Hyattsville attorney
and Mrs. j. William Pike, River
dale Heights. president of the
county's Federation of Republi-
can Women's Clubs.
Mr.. Fletcher said the party is
convinced that the vast majority
OF our voters are completely dis
satisfied with their present gov
ernment, its outmoded procedures
and notorious corruption among
high officials"