Evening star., 1950-01-20
.Dr. Ray Advises
Silver Spring 10
.DropCityP|ans
Survey Finds Taxes
Under Incorporation
Almost Prohibitive'

much discussed plans either
could not be achieved or would
not be feasible.
So concludes Dr.. Joseph M.
Ray, University of Maryland
consultant on public administra-
ton, after prolonged study on
which he reported last night, be-
fore the Silver Spring Junior
Chamber of Commerce.
In effect. Dr. Ray advised that
Silver Spring continue as an un-
incorporated community within
the framework of Montgomery
County.
This is not the course the con-
sultant prefers to all others but
he indicated belief that it is the
best, considering all circum-
| stances.
Offers Better Idea
A better idea, he said, would
be for all of the suburban COM
munitieS of Montgomery and
Prince Georges Counties-along
the entire length of the District
boundary-to band together for
incorporation into a city with
county status.
THE formation into one Mary
land city of the entire suburban
Maryland area from Oxon Hill to
Glen Echo is the only adequate
available solution to governmental
problems in this area" he as
serted.
But he conceded that the OBJ
stacles to so sweeping change
would be practically insurmount-
able"
Strong opposition to such
move could be expected, he said,
from both Montgomery and
Prince Georges Counties, as we'll
as from the incorporated towns
and special taxing areas in the
area involved.
City in Montgomery Discussed.
A third alternative proposed in
the report would be the establish
ment OF a metropolitan city for
Montgomery County. This would
include the area from Cabin John
and Glen Echo to Takoma Park
on the other side of the county.
Here again, however, such a pro-
posal would meet with serious op-
position from the incorporated
towns of Glen Echo, Kensington,
Garret Park and Takoma Park,
DR.. Ray predicted, as we'll as from
the county government itself.
In addition, it would not solve
the problem OF hi-eounty services
performed by the WASHINGTON
Suburban Sanitary Commission,
and the Maryland National
Capital Park and Planning Com
mission.
AS a result DR.. Ray concluded
that this proposal is as unfeasible
as that for Maryland City.
Inclusion in D. C. Out.
He then took up the possibility
OF including Silver Spring in the
District of Columbia.
1T Is apparent to the impartial
observer" he said, that the
Maryland area suburban to the.
District is economically a part of
Metropolitan Washington.
Transportation facilities all
converge toward Washington and
the telephone system, with it's
many subordinate exchanges.
functions primarily as one metro
politan system.
But he pointed out that Mary
landers could hardly be expected
to consent to being included in
an area where there is no self
government. And the State Gov
ernment in Annapolis would be
certain to block the move.
Problem in Silver Spring.
A fifth alternative would be the
much-discussed proposal to in
corporate Silver Spring. DR.. Ray
cited several objections, however.
One. he said, is that such move
still would not give the commun-
ity jurisdiction over its own
schools or the health and welfare
programs in the area.
Problems affecting these func-
tions. he explained. still would
have to be settled in the county
seat at Rockville.
Another objection. he asserted.
would be an increase in govern
mental cost for Silver Spring tax
payers The county tax rate
would continue and the residents
also would be taxed to maintain
their own government. he claimed.
Would Have Debt Share.
In addition, according to DR..
Ray, the new city would have to
accept an appreciable share of
the county's $23,000,o0o debt"
Although the city would obtain
relief from the present 20-cent
suburban district tax, the Accent
library tax and the 10-cent fire
tax. DR.. Ray explained the munlci-
pality would continue to pay the
county levy plus its own city
tax, making the total tax almost
prohibitive."
Finally, he said, taxpayers Of
Silver Spring would be paying
county taxes to provide services in
other areas while being forced to
pay separately for their own
functions.
Even those who opposed the
recent charter movement" he
continued. must concede that the
intelligence and industry which
have been applied in recent years
and months to the solution of the
county's governmental problems
will inevitably bring even better
government to the county.
THE resident of Silver Spring